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AR TS +E NT ER TA IN ME NT
Breakdance of theSugar Plum Fairy
KURTIS BLOW LOVESCHRISTMAS.
So much so that when thethen up-and-comingNew York emceewas approached in 1979 aboutappearing on achristmas-themed rapsong, he went forit. And“christmasrappin’ ”became hisdebut single.
co-writtenwithproducers robert Ford andJ.B.Moore,“christmas rappin’” is aholiday houseparty in hiphopform. Andwhile christmasmusic canbelucrative,hip-hop at thetime hadn’t yetfully broken outpastthe five boroughs —although“rapper’s Delight” hadmadebig wavesinmainstream waters just afew months prior. It wasagamblethatpaidoff “christmas rappin’” waspickedupby Mercuryrecords,which then signed Blow,makinghim thefirst rapper signed to amajorlabel.The record sold 370,000 copies in itsfirst year Thesong’ssuccess setBlowupfor “The Breaks”—ahip-hop classicthat sold 870,000copiesand secured Blow’s placeasone of thefounding fathersofhip-hop.
More than 40 yearslater,Blowhas circledbacktoanother projectcombining hip-hopand christmas. He now tourswith“TheHip HopNutcracker” as theshow’shostand emcee.
Theshowuseship-hop andb-boys andb-girls to rework Tchaikovsky’s ballet,“TheNutcracker.”Itstops at theMahalia JacksonTheater at 7p.m. Friday,Nov.29.
“eversince Ican remember,myfavoritetimeofthe year is christmas,”Blow told Gambit.“It’s theseasonofgiving. Thespiritofloveisall in theair.It’sthe time of year whereyou want to just grab aholdofyourfriends andyourfamilyand hugthem andsay,‘Thankyou forputting up with me allyearlong.’”
“The HipHop Nutcracker”follows asimilar storytothe classicballet: on christmaseve,Maria-claraslips into adream worldwiththe Nutcracker Prince,battles mice andexploresthe Kingdomofthe Sweets.But this retellingupdates thesetting to contemporary NewYorkcity, uses hip-hopdance, andanon-stageDJand an electronic violinistremix thescore
Theproductionwas co-created in 2013 by choreographer anddirector Jennifer Weber, whorecentlyreceived Tony Awardnominationsfor her work on theBroadwayshows “& Juliet”and “KPoP,”and writer Mike Fitelson Aftersuccessfulearly yearsat the NewJerseyPerformingArtscenter
by Jake Clapp |
TributetoIrmaThomas
AhostofNew Orleans musicians sharetheir gratitude forSoulQueen of Neworleans Irma Thomas on thenight before ThanksgivingatTipitina’s. The tributetoThomasincludesperformances by Galactic,Ani DiFranco, Marcia Ball,Anjelika“Jelly” Joesph, LeylaMccalla,erica Fallsand more, andGeorgePorterJr. directsthe house band featuringDavid Torkanowsky, Kyle roussel, chrisAdkins, Terrence Houstonand other musicians. Thomas herself will performa fewofher classic songsaswellaspreview newmusic from an upcoming collaborationwith Galactic.GwenThompkins emcees theshow. Themusic starts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27.Tickets are $70via tipitinas.com. Aportion of theproceedsbenefit theNew orleans Musicians’ clinic.
(NJPAc)inNewark, “The HipHop Nutcracker”touredthe countryduring theholidays. This year,the show playsin25cities. It also hasinspireda Disney+adaptationfeaturing rev. run of run-DMc.
Blow hasbeeninvolvedsince the beginning, when afriendcaughthim afterone of hisshows in TheBronx and suggestedhecheck outthe rehearsals goingon at NJPAc.
“I sawthese b-boys andb-girls just breakdancingtoclassical music, andit hadthisfunky beat underit,”Blowsays. “Thatfusionofthe orchestrasound and hip-hopunder it wasincrediblefor me Theseguysare doingpower movesto classicalmusic.That’swhy Igot down.”
Blow introduces theshowand warmsupthe crowdwitha medley of old-school hip-hopsongs.And at theend,hecomes back outto perform“TheBreaks” with thecast dancersimprovising
“Weend on apositivenote, because it’s allabout love andthe holidayseason,”Blowsays.
Alongwithbeing aperennial production formanyballetcompanies around theworld,“TheNutcracker” hasproven to be readilyadaptable.It’saneasy, sweetstory,and thescore is immediatelyidentifiable, making it relatively easy to update theproduction’ssetting or addatwist on themusic.
TheBaton rougeBalletTheatre hasproduceda Louisiana-set “Nutcracker” formorethan30years, andthe Marignyopera Ballet in recent seasonscreated itslocalized adaptation of thestory with ascore by jazz pianist Lawrence Sieber th.(Marigny operaBalletwillpremierea different production this season.)
ForBlow, adapting “The Nutcracker” throughahip-hop lens makesalot of sense. It opensthe doorsfor audiences to discover musicand danceorastory they mightnot have alreadyknown.
“Hip-hop wascreated back in theday with peace, unity, love andhavingfun.It wasfor everyone:all countries, allages, allreligions,” he says.“So we’regoing outand reaching audiences. If youlike hip-hop, or if youliketheater,orifyou like classicalmusic,thisisfor you.”
More than four decadesafter “christmas rappin’” wasreleased, the song is stillayearlyfavoriteonradio stations andholiday playlists. AndBlow keepshis ownchristmas traditions goingathis home in NewYork.
“Wehaveanannualchristmas eve partyhereatmyhouse,and Iinviteall of my friendsand family,and we sing the‘Twelve Days of christmas,’” he says.“everyone [sings]one of thegifts, from apartridge to adrummer,sowe have 12 sections of people going. It’s funny, andit’sjoyful.”
Ticketsfor “The HipHop Nutcracker” star tat$ 34 viamahaliajacksontheater.com.For more on Kurtis Blow, seepage33.
Celebrationinthe Oaks
More than amillion lights bring holidaycheer to City Park,asholiday displays andother scenes fill more than 20 acresaroundthe carousel Gardens, theroosevelt Mall andalong city Park Avenue.There aretraditional holiday scenesaswellasdinosaurs,flamingos, Mr.Bingle, poinsettiasgalore andmore. visitors cantourdifferent routes by vehicle(enterFriedrichs Avenue)orwalking tour (startson victoryAvenue).celebration in the oaks opensFriday, Nov. 29,and runs throughJan.3,2025. Hoursare 6-10 p.m. Sunday throughThursdayand 5-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. visitcelebrationintheoaks.com forinformation aboutadmission andevents.
Thanksgiving at theFair Grounds
Thoroughbredracingopens before Thanksgiving Day,which once was openingday at theFairGrounds race course.But Thanksgiving is stillafestive day, andthisyearmarksthe 100th runningofthe Thanksgivingclassic,
‘The HipHop Nutcracker’ plays theMahalia Jackson TheateronNov.29.
PR OV ID ED PH OT O BY TI MO TH YN OR RI S
TheUnitedStatesPostalService
will honorAllen Toussaintwitha stampin2025. TheForever stamp will be the48thentry in thePostal Services’Black Heritageseriesand will featureaclose-upphoto of the Grammy-winning Neworleans pianist,songwriter andproducer. Thestamp will be availableatPost officesnextyear.
OP EN IN G GA MB IT
Gobble Gobble,y’all
NewOrleans veteranpolitical journalist and former Gambit ownerClancyDuBos to retire
NewOrleans City Council has begunthe processofdesignating 1031 canalStreetasahistoric landmark.The location at canal andNorth rampartstreets is thesiteofthe 1960 Woolworth lunchcounter sit-in andthe 2019 Hard rock Hotelcollapse. Thecouncil directed thecentral Business District Historic District Landmarkscommissionto research 1031 canalfor areporton nominating thesitefor landmark status,which wouldadd alayer of oversightfor anyfuturedevelopment there.
FORMER GAMBIT OWNERAND CURRENT POLITICALEDITORAND COLUMNIST clancy DuBoswillretireatthe endof 2024 aftermorethanfivedecades of covering local, stateand national politics,aswellaslifeand culture. In hisnotetoGambitstaff,DuBos said,“Thereasonfor my decision is simple:I’m 70 andIwanttostart enjoying thethingsI’vebeenputting offfor toolong—while Ican still enjoythem.Put anotherway,Ihave reachedthe ‘Get offMyLawn!’stage of my life andcareer.”
beinginhis legendaryrolodex.And they [almost] allalwaystakehis calls. combined with hisstrongsense of journalistic ethics andcommitment to hiscommunity,his understanding of howthe politicalsausage gets made,and what it meansfor people, turned DuBosintoone of thetrusted voices in thecityand state.
TheAIcenterinnorth Louisianaisbeing plannedbyFacebookparentcompany Meta.Watchdoggroupsare warningthatif approved,itcould causefurther devastation to theenvironment andincreasecosts for entergyratepayers
NOLAPublicSchools
face a$36 millionfunding gap becauseofa budgetingerror,the orleansParish School Boardsaid earlierthismonth.The mistake ledtothe resignationofsuperintendentAvisWilliams,and the city councilNov.18announced it wouldgivethe board$20 million to help bail outthe system.
DuBosgraduated from Holy cross in 1972 before goingontostudy at theUniversityofNew orleans—and then Loyola LawSchool. He began hisjournalismcareerin1973asan intern at TheTimes-Picayune. over thenext51years,the 9th Ward native wouldoccasionallyput hislaw degree to useasa practicing lawyer,thoughjournalismremained hisvocation. In addition to working forGambitand TheTimes-Picayune, DuBosalsospent adecadeatWDSU as apolitical reporter anddid regular commentariesfor WWL. over hiscareer, DuBosbroke countlessstories,covered thetragic Up Stairs Lounge fire,dozensof mayors andother politicians, and life in hishometown. He also helped mentor generationsofreporters. oneofthe best sourcedjournalists notonly in Neworleans butinthe entire state, he’s countedeveryone from governorstobartendersas
Butheisperhaps best known as theeditorofGambit, whichhe ownedfor most of itslifewithhis wife Margo. Undertheir leadership,the paperbecamethe go-tosourcefor localnewsand commentary on New orleanslifeand politics.Aseditor, DuBosalsomadethe paperavoice of andfor thecommunity,particularly in difficulttimes like themonthsand yearsfollowing Hurricane Katrina.
“I have no regrets,”DuBos said.“In fact,Iamoverflowing with gratitude forthe many opportunitiesthathave come my waytodothe onething I have always loved, professionally, andtohavedoneitsurroundedby incredibly talented,dedicated colleaguesand friends. Iamparticularly thankful forthe opportunitytohave endedmycareerwhere it began— at TheTimes-Picayuneand Gambit —and to go outonmyown terms, hopefullystill at or near thetop of my game.” —JohnStanton Editor’s note:Gambitwillmostdefinitely have more to sayabout DuBos before he closes outhis full-timerun with us
GETTINGTOGETHER WITH FAMILY
Clancy DuBos
PH OT OBYC HR IS GR AN GE R/T HE TI ME S- PI CAYU NE
2024 BayouClassicPreview
BY JOHN STANTON| GAMBIT EDITOR
THIS WEEKENDMARKS THE 51ST BAYOUCLASSIC here in Neworleans andwillonce againfeature thesignature game betweenthe GramblingState Tigers and theSouthernUniversity Jaguars, thelegendary Battle of theBands,stepshowsand more. over itsfivedecades, theannualshowdown betweentwo of thebig gest rivals in Historically Blackcollege andUniversityhistory hasbecomeabout much more than football.It’sa dayslong celebrationofHBcUculture andBlack excellence in America.
Alltold, theevent attracts hundreds of thousandsofpeoplefromaround thecountry to spendthe Thanksgiving holidayand weekendinNew orleans, making it oneofthe bigger touristdraws of thefallseason.
That also meansahugeimpactonthe localeconomy.For instance,lastyear’s classicattracted more than 200,000 people andbrought more than $50 millionintothe localeconomy,according to estimatesbyGNo Inc. With thelossof voodoo Music+Artsexperienceafter the pandemic,thatmakes it oneofthe biggest annual fall events forNew orleans.
Thefirst official Bayouclassic happenedatTulaneStadium in 1974.But theannualshowdownbetween twoof themoststoried football programs in HBcU historydates back significantly further—all theway to theteams’first meetingin1932. over thecourseof theirrivalry,Southernholds thelead 41-34all time and26-24 in Bayou classicgames
Southern —which will also appear in theSouthwesternAtlanticconference championshipgamethisyear against JacksonState —entersthisyear’s classicwitha7-4 overalland 6-1conferencerecord. Grambling, meanwhile, hasn’t hadnearlyasgoodofa year,with alosingrecordbothinthe conference at 2-5and overallat5-6.
Butthe game is only onepartofthe broaderweekend andtradition,which surroundswhat’sunofficiallyknown as theBlack SuperBowl. on game day, there’sa vibrantand busy tailgate scene surroundingthe Superdome. There’s also an annual parade on Thanksgiving Day, whichstartsat3p.m.thisyearat
theSuperdome before parading through thecBD,and aspecial FanFestivalat champion Square on game daythatwill featurerickross, Wild Wayne, Subtweet Shawn, Webbie,BJSocoleand more. It’s also become amagnetfor Black politicaland business leaders, musiciansand celebrities. Historically Black fraternitiesand sororities— knownasthe Divine Nine —routinely hold events in andaroundthe city during theweekend TheBattleofthe BandsonFriday regularlydraws thousandstowatch the twoschools marching bandssquare offinthe Superdome. Arguably the twogreatestmarchingbands in college history, thebattlebetween Grambling’s TigerBandand Southern’sHuman Jukeboxisalwaysahighlight of the weekend, even in thoseyears when the twoschools’footballsquadsare less than stellar.
Membersofthe twoschools’Greek systemsalsosquareoff in astepshow. “Stepping” comesout of African American traditionthatispasseddown betweengenerations andcombineselementsofdance,ritual, call andresponse, precisiondrillingand otherelements. Meanwhile, there’ll be dozens of events across thecitystartingFriday. In addition to annual events like the LouisianaLegislativeBlack caucus Foundation’s jazz brunch andDivine Nine parties, thereisahostofconcerts, rivercruises,comedyshows andparties around Neworleans.
Southernoffensive lineman John Mitchell (74) holds BayouClassic trophy as his teammatessurroundhim in celebrationafter winningthe 50th Annual BoyouClassic.
51st AnnualBayou Classic Events Guide
THURSDAY,NOV.28
Annual BayouClassicThanksgiving DayParade —3p.m., begins at Superdome. route: starts on Poydras Street,parades down Poydras, turns left on St.PetersStreet, turnslefton canalStreet, turnsleftonSt. charles Street,turns rightonPoydras Street and ends at Poydrasand Loyola
TheClassic Takeover featuringBoosie —9p.m., Da empire,2222Poydras St., $40to$3,000 viaeventbrite.
Official BayouClassicFinalewithRick Ross,Webbie, Snug Live —10p.m., GenerationsHall, 310AndrewHiggins Blvd., $20to$1,500via eventbrite.
Happy Happy
Happy Tanksgiving Happy Tanksgiving
OurRecommendations on Proposed Amendments
VOTERS
ACROSS LOUISIANA WILL RETURN TO THEPOLLS ON SATURDAY,DEC.7, to consider four proposedconstitutional amendments.early voting starts/started Friday,Nov.22, and continuesthrough Nov. 30 except for Thanksgiving Day andSundays. Theproposed amendments to Louisiana’sconstitution areimportant and notall aregoodideas.Wemakethe followingrecommendations.
AMENDMENT1:CHANGINGTHE JUDICIARYCOMMISSION— NO
This amendmentwould addfive politicallyappointed memberstothe JudiciarycommissionofLouisiana andwould radicallychangethe state’sjudicialdisciplinaryprocess currently, thecommissionconsistsof nine members—three judges,three lawyersand threenonlawyer citizens —all appointedbythe judiciary. The proposed amendmentwould allow theSpeaker of theHouse to appoint twomembers,the Senate president to appointtwo,and thegovernorto appointone,givingthe commission 14 members. No qualifications are specifiedfor anyofthese proposed newappointees, whichopens the door to politicizing thejudicialdisciplinaryprocess —and it wouldmake Louisianaanoutlier amongthe states. Lawyersand judges have always been disciplinedbystate supremecourts, withoutinter ferenceorinfluence from theother twobranchesofgovernment. We agreewiththe analysis of thecouncil forA Better Louisiana, anonpartisan government watchdog, whichnotes that theamendment does notaddress anyconcernswith howthe currentcommissionoperates.Werecommend voting No on Amendment1.
AMENDMENT 2: GIVE LAWMAKERSMORETIMETO REVIEW MONEYBILLS — NO
Amendment2 sounds better than it actually is in that lawmakersshould take at least48hours to consider changestoany bill that spends moneybeforevotingonfinal passage.However,wedon’t need a
constitutional requirementfor that Allweneedisalegislative rule to that effect.And guesswhat? We do have sucha rule —but lawmakerstypically suspendit. rather than changing the constitution,lawmakers should follow theirown rules. We recommendvoting No on Amendment2
AMENDMENT3:LENGTHEN SESSIONS IF NEEDED TO PASS SPENDING BILLS— YES
This amendmentallowslawmakers, by atwo-thirdsvote, to extend a legislativesession in two-dayincrements—uptosix totaldays—ifthey need more time to pass abillspending money. It’s similartoAmendment 2, butitaddresses thesameissue in a better way. Forexample,itwould only allowlawmakers to consider spending billsduringthe extensionperiod, andit wouldprecludethe need foraspecial sessionifakey moneybillfails to pass in aregular session. We recommend voting YeSonAmendment 2.
AMENDMENT 4: TAXSALES OF PROPERTY YES
This amendmentremoves constitutional language relatedtothe sale of property wheretaxes aredelinquent andallowsthe Legislaturetoestablish policies fortax sales—withincertain parameters.Tax salesinLouisiana arecomplicated andweare an outlier in many ways.Moreover, recent U.S. Supremecourt decisionscastdoubt on theconstitutionality of Louisiana’s process. This amendmentwould allow theLegislature to make changesas needed to comply with courtrulings andput ourstate in line with therest of thecountry.Werecommend voting YeSonAmendment 4.
Onceagain,the
Louisiana
Senate is thefulcrum of legislativepower
IRONYCAN HAVE A BALANCING, EVEN CURATIVE EFFECT on thegoverning process. case in point: TheLouisiana Senate,which killed some of Gov. Jeff Landry’s worstideas in previous legislative sessions,rescued thegovernor’s ambitioustax reform plan afterHouse membersbalkedata keyportion of it Landry rightly pitchedhis plan as a package,askinglawmakers to adoptitintoto. essentially, hisplanwould have reducedindividualand corporateincometaxes, subjecteddozensofcurrently untaxed goodsand services to localand state salestaxes,and eliminated some business taxbreaks.
Initially, it appeared Housemembers wouldrubberstamp allofLandry’s proposals. But, underintense pressure from lobbyistsand citizens,they balked at thesales taxmeasure
That threwLandry’splanwildly outofbalance,because thesales tax expansionwould have raised $500 millionayeartohelpoffset$1.3billion in revenues lost underLandry’sproposedindividualincometax cut.
TheHouse approved theeasypartof Landry’s plan —massive taxcuts—but itsrefusal to back thesales taxexpansion puteverythinginthe lapofthe Senate,which alreadyhad planstopreservesomeofthe business taxbreaks that thegovernorhoped to repeal With time runningout —the session hadtoend Monday afternoon— Senate Presidentcameron Henry, r-Metairie, andother Senate leadershad few optionsintheir effort to salvage Landry’s plan.
As Iwrite this,the Senate appeared headed toward raisingthe salestax slightly andtweakingLandry’scorporate income taxproposal—cutting theratefrom7.5%tojust6%. The governor wanted that rate cutto3.5%. Senators also were consideringahandfulofother revenuetweaks, butthere appeared to be no clearconsensus on a path forward.
Landry acknowledged thedifficulty he andlawmakers faced, noting that making good lawislikemakinggood sausage— theprocess is messy, butthe result tastes just fine
In theend,the Housemay have done Landry afavor by giving Landry andsenatorsachancetomake aflawedplanbetter, or at least more palatable.
oneofmanygoodsug gestions made amid thetumultcamefromthe business-oriented committeeof100, whichsug gested linking alltax reform billstogethersothatall elements of Landry’s plan hadto“succeedorfail as apackage.” That’s agamble, but it woulddiscouragelawmakers from cherry-picking thesweet partsofthe governor’s packagewhile rejectingthe necessary, bitter parts.
At aminimum,lawmakers mayfind that theeasiest wayforward is to renewthe expiring 0.45 salestax —and possibly raiseittoanevenhalf-penny.
Louisianavotersgenerally prefersales taxesoverother formsof taxation,according to pollster (and former statelawmaker) ronFaucheux.
Whatever thefateofLandry’s ambitiousplan, theSenateonce againwas thefulcrum that leveraged theoutcome
Senate President CameronHenry
BirthmarkisaNew Orleans-based birth justice cooperativededicatedtosupporting, educating,and advocatingfor pregnantand parentingpeople andtheir families,with afocus on increasingaccess to respectful services forcommunities facingbarrierstocare.
UPC OMING EV ENT S:
#GIVINGTUESDAY (DEC. 3)
This year, BirthmarkDoula Collectiveis focusingonthe powerofdoula support! Everyact of generositycounts-f romsupporting adoula trainingscholarship to sponsoring carefor abirthingperson in need. Identify your gifts, choose acause that inspires you, and makealastingimpactonmaternal health.
BLACKBIRTH MATTERSSUMMIT
Apowerful conveningonbirth andsocial justice.
OUR LINEAGE:TOUR &TEA
Aunique experience exploringthe French Quarter’shistory, culture,and connectionto maternal health.
Volunteer:
Join us in making adifference! Volunteers can help with events, outreach,and behind-the-scenes operations. Whether you’reacommunityadvocate or simply have a passion formaternalhealth, we welcomeyour support Email outreach@birthmarkdoulas.com to learnmore.
Give:
Your contributions help us providecriticalservices to families,includingprenatal andpostpartum support, doula care, andbreastfeedingeducation. Youcan support our mission by making aone-timedonation,becominga monthly sustainer,orcontributingtoour Maternal Health Fund,whichensures access to carefor thosemostinneed. Visit donorbox.org/birthmarkdoulacollective to givetoday!
@GambitBlake |askblake@gambitweekly.com
Hey Blake,
Whileinthe French Quarterrecently, I noticed scaffolding around thestate SupremeCourt buildingonRoyal Street. That’s as good areason as anytoask aboutits history. What canyou tell us?
Dear reader,
Thestately building at 410royal Street hastwice served as home to the LouisianaSupreme court: from 1910 to 1958;and from 2004 to thepresent Accordingtothe Supreme court of LouisianaHistoricalSociety,the state’shighest courtrelocated three timesinhistory —fromabuildingcalled Government House, locatedatToulouse andDecatur,tothe Presbytere,and then to thecabildo —beforethe state Legislatureauthorizedthe construction of anew courthouse in 1898 With aprice tagexceeding $1.2 million, theBeaux Arts-style building wasconstructed over atwo-yearspan. Thecourthouse, whichalsohoused anumberofstate andcityoffices, openedonoct.1,1910. Although considered oneofthe finest courthousesinthe nation,alack of adequatefunding formaintenance ledthe building to fall into disrepair over thedecades.In1958, when city Hall andthe “new”civic center
opened, theSupreme courtmoved to anew building nearby at 301Loyola Ave. otherstate agencies remained on royal, most notablythe stateWildlife andFisheriescommission. Thebuildingwas vacatedin1982.
In the1990s,Supreme courtchief JusticePascalcalogeroJr. ledan effort to return theSupreme courtto theroyal Street property.In2004, after$47 million in renovationsthat stretchedover20years,the court returned to itsformerhomeinthe French Quarter. U.S. Supremecourt JusticeSandraDay o’connor was amongthe dignitarieswho attended thededicationceremony.
In addition to theSupreme court, thebuildinghousesthe Fourth circuit courtofAppeal, stateLaw Library andJudicialAdministrator’s office In 2019,the building wasrenamed in calogero’s honor.
THIS WEEK MARKSTHE 100THANNIVERSARY OF THEFIRST FOOTBALL GAME at LSU’s TigerStadium in Batonrouge.Acrowd of some 18,000 people watchedthe Thanksgiving Dayseasonfinaleasthe Fighting Tigers took on theTulaneGreen Wave on November 27,1924.
Amongthem wascol.Theodoreroosevelt III,son of theformerPresident.He andhis wife were guests of former Gov. John Parker,who officiated in placeofhis successor,anill Gov. HenryFuqua ThousandsofLSU andTulanefansmadethe trip from Neworleans forthe openingday excitement.“Threespecial trains andscoresofautomobiles will haul the fans from Neworleans.Thousands will pour into thecapital city from othertowns becauseit’sHomecomingDay at LSUand theTigersare goingtodedicatetheir newconcretebowl,”reportedthe Neworleans Item.The Tigers lost that game 13-0 to theGreen Wave
Builtinlessthanayearatacostof$73,300,the stadium wasthe largestinthe southwhen it openedin1924. Sevenyears later, thesidelines were extended upwardstoaccommodateanadditional10,000 fans.Subsequent renovations increasedthe seatingcapacitytoits current102,321 spectators,makingitthe fifth-largeststadium in thecountry over thepastcentury,LSU haswon 450games in TigerStadium,which hasalso been home to threeHeisman Trophy winners, four national championship teams and12Sec title-winningsquads.
BL AK E VI EW
CIRCLING
2025 will be a make-or-breakyear forthe Sewerage &Water BoardofNew Orleans
BY KAYL EE PO CH E
BACK IN AUGUST, it looked like the Sewerage &Water BoardofNew Orleanswas hangingonbya thread.
Andsowas thepublic. In aVerite News poll released last spring,71% of respondentssaidtheysomewhat or strongly disapprove of S&WB, with half of allrespondents strongly disapproving.
DRAINTHE
That’s abig deal when theagency is funded throughpropertytaxes, whichthe public must approve. Oneof threesuch“millages,” apercentageof property tax, is up forrenewal in 2026, anotherin2028.
“Ifyou don’tsee thecliff that you’re abouttodrive off, Idon’t know what I cantellyou,” City CouncilVicePresident JP Morrellbluntly told theboard during acouncil meetinginAugust.
“Because there’snomedia campaign youcan runnextyearthat’sgoing to help youpassamillage in thecityof NewOrleans,and once that millage falls, it’s adominoeffecttoablack hole of implosion.”
StateSen.Jimmy Harris,aNew Orleanslegislator whoworks on S&WB bills, warned theheads it couldbetheir last shot,withthe possibilityofa state or counciltakeoverlooming
“Baton Rougewillget it rightnext year if we don’tget it right,”hesaid. Threemonthslater,there’ssome signsofprogress. Afterthe legislature gave thecouncil more controlover S&WB this spring,the councilgot an outsidelaw firm to handle billing disputes,including thoseinfamous surprise sky-high waterbills mistakenly sent to customers. They also votedfor
afixed billingoptionwhile theagency installs newmetersthatwilltake automaticreads of howmuchwater a consumer is using.
That,combinedwithforward movement on anew S&WB powerstation andreforms to howthe city clears catch-basins hascouncil membersa bitmoreoptimistic. Even theagency’s toughest councilcritics,Morrell and District ACouncil Member JoeGiarrusso,say it is back on track, at leastwhen it comestobilling.
“There areseveral differentsteps happeningsimultaneouslythatwilllead to building some consumer confidence, butit’sgoing to take some time,” Morrellsays. “There’s nothingthat we’vedoneorthattheycan do that is goingtofix severalyears of people beingupset.”
Butwhether that successmeans the agency is finallyturning things around —and canconvincethe public that it
is— remainstobeseen. Andonly time will tell if theS&WBwillbeabletoright theshipintimetorestore public confidenceinthe agency andget residents to agreetokeepfunding it
“Ifthe people of thecityofNew Orleanscheck outonSewerage& WaterBoard,itceasestoexist,” Morrell told Gambit
BILLS, BILLS, BILLS
GIARRUSSOSAYS public trustin S&WB really startedtoplummet with thebilling snafus that started around 2016
Theagencydecided to invest in newbillingsoftwarewithout investing in smartmeterstocorrectly andconsistently read howmuchwater wasbeing used.The software itself wasworking butbeing fedmanualreads,which left alot of room forerror.
Ever since, it’s been horror storyafterhorrorstory of crazyhighbills being sent to customers, like aCentral City resident whoreceivedabilltotaling more than $40,000atthe beginning of this year.
Morrellsaysittooka remarkably long time forthe agency headstosee billing as amajor problem. Anduntil thelast fewyears,the councilhad no power over it
“Tobeclear,fromjumpstreet when Icameonin2022, theS&WB didnot thinkbilling wasa keyissue and didnot thinkitneededtobefixed,” he says.“That wasa fundamental disagreement:thatbilling wasanissue, that thecouncil should getinvolved in fixing billing. That ledtoalot of the initialconflict.”
S&WB ExecutiveDirectorGhassan Korban told Gambit he knew billingwas an issuefor “quite some time.” Buthe says theagencydidn’tstart installing
Sewerage &Water BoardonClaiborne Avenue
Or angeFestival
SATURDAY11:00
tmetersuntil this April—around rs into histenure— becauseof ialproblems, whichheblamed on theagencysuspending eshutoffsfor customerswho paytheir billsduringpartofthe emic andafter extremeweather ts like Hurricane Ida. eagencywas also resisting calefforts at reform.For nce, in 2022 Morrellworked Rep. StephanieHilferty, who pr ents Lakeview,onsomestate levelchanges.
PaperChase
SATURDAY6:00
Despitewidespreadagreement the agency wasinneedofreform, Morrell told Gambit that representativesfor MayorLaToyaCantrell, whoisthe S&WB’s president, showed up to oppose thosechanges,along with Korban andlobbyists forthe City of NewOrleans.Ultimately, thelegislature passed alaw to give thecouncil some poweroverbilling anyway
“Wehad to pretty much runover them to getany Sewerage &Water Boardreformdone,”Morrell says.
This year,state lawmakersgave thecouncil more controloverS&WB billing, whichled thecouncil to hire an outsidelaw firm,Hammerman &Gainer,tohandledisputedbills. Morrelland Giarrussosay thefirmhas been making greatprogressonclearingthe backlogofcontested bills.
This time around “therewas less pushback from theboard,while stilltremendouspushbackfrom themayor,” Morrellsays. “Once thecouncil andGov.[Jeff]Landry’s task forceweregenerally in alignment on what thesolutions were, it became fait accompli that it was goingtohappen, so therewas less aggressive pushback.”
Whilethe agency finallyinstalls smartmeters, lawmakershavealso directed theS&WBtooffer customerswithout them flat-ratebills based on theiraverage waterusage.The agency hasinstalled nearly half of the newsmart meters so far, andKorban says everyresidential customer and most businesses should have asmart meterbythe endof2025.
With more accurate reads, Korban says customerswithnew meters are seeing slight increasesintheir bills, around 5%,but adds customersaren’t complainingtothemabout that Korban said in Septemberthat once theagencyisfinishedinstalling smartmeters, they will replacethe billingsoftware, too.
“Then it will be atotally different world,”hesaid.
MORE BIGCHANGES IN THEWORKS
FORDECADES, S&WB hasbeen responsiblefor some aspectsof drainage,while thecity’sDepartment of Public Workshas been responsiblefor otherparts of thedrainage system.A newstate law, broughtby Sen. Harris recently putall of drainageunder S&WB
Hilferty says if DPWdidn’tclean thedrain linestheywereresponsible for, then thewater couldn’t getto thepartofthe drainage system S&WB controlled.
“When youhad thesplit of responsibility,then it’s like,‘OK,pleasedo this part of thejob,soIcan do my part of thejob,’ ”she says.
Themayor andmembers of the S&WB pushed back on thechange, citing concerns aboutthe agency having enough moneytotakeonthe extrawork.
“The realityisthatthisiswhat comesout of thosewho don’t understand theoperationsbut make laws andthingsthatwehaveto alignwithwhen they don’tserve the utilitymovingforward,” Cantrell said in May.
Hilferty says shebelievesconsolidatingdrainagewillbe“crucial” in restoringpublicfaith in theS&WB. Giarrusso andMorrell also pointto anew much-neededS&WBpower stationscheduled to be readyby next summer.
Politicalfightshaverepeatedly pushed backthe timeline forthe station. Cantrell triedtoget Entergy NewOrleans to payfor much of it in 2021,but they backed outthe followingyearblaming damage from Hurricane Ida. This year shetriedto getstate fundingtofinishthe power station, whichalsofellthrough Morrellsayshavinganew power station, whichwillhelpprevent flooding andboilwater advisories, will help thepublictrust S&WB more,
Sewerage &Water Board ExecutiveDirectorGhassan Korban in August 2024.
especially if they seethe city is able to withstandstormsbetter.
“The sooner that thing’sup, the soonerpeopledon’t seeMylar balloonsknockingout powerfor drinking water, allthose differentthingsbeing containedtonot be an issueanymore will eventually rebuildconfidence,” he says.“Butalot of that is in the Sewerage &Water Board’shands.”
TURNINGTO THEBOARD
DESPITE THE FACT that everyone wantsclean drinking waterand city streetsnot to floodduringstorms, therehavebeenplentyofpolitical fights andpower strugglessurroundingS&WB, astate-created agency with themayor at thehelmand the councilnow having sayoverits billing. Morrellfeels like S&WB hasresisted thechanges thecouncil andstate lawmakershaveworkedon.
“The issueisthe fact that every time we trytosolve aproblem,we ultimately have to go to thelegislature anddoitagainst theirwillto solvethe problem,”Morrell says. “Those really should have been instancesinwhich theSewerage& WaterBoard worked with thecouncil andwiththe partiestryingtofix it on thefront end, rather than having us have to fixitovertheir objections.”
That couldbe, in part,a result of tensions betweenthe mayorand the city council. Giarrussosaysbecause themayor is presidentofthe S&WB andappointsseven of its11-member BoardofDirectors(whoare unpaid), theboard is goingtobeprettyloyal to themayor,especiallyatthe beginning of theirterm.
“I thinkSewerage&Water Board does notlikewhen thecouncil tellsittodothingsorsug gest that it do things,” he says.“Really they view themselves as aseparatestate entity aboutwhich themayor is thepresident.”
Currently, themayor appoints five residents(onefromeachcouncil district)tothe boardfromalistof nominationsbyaSelection Committee, whichincludesrepresentatives from localuniversities, theNew OrleansChamber of Commerce,the New OrleansRegionalBlack Chamberof Commerce andthe UrbanLeagueof GreaterNew Orleans.
Shealsoappointstwo “customer advocates” with either experience in “communityadvocacy, consumer protection,orarelated field” or a retiredcivil engineer
That meansthe only threemembers notappointed by themayor are onecitycouncil member —currently
CouncilMemberFreddie King —and twopeoplerepresentingthe city boardresponsible forissuing bonds. Butthismakeupcould change Hilfertysaysthatshe,Harris, City CouncilPresident Helena Moreno, Morrell, Giarrussoand membersof Landry’s staffworkedonthe S&WB changeslastyearand will likely get together againtotalkabout potential changestothe agency’s governance structure, akahow theBoard of Directorsischosen.
Hilferty broughtuphow council membersare involved with S&WB fundingbut have little oversightof theagency.
Landry’s S&WB task forcealso floatedafew possibilitiesfor changing howthe agency should be governed, includingmakingitregulated either by thecitycouncil or thestate Louisiana Public ServiceCommission.
In both cases, themayor wouldstill be on theboard butwould no longer be chair.
Giarrussoinstead supports more councilcontrol of thestate agency, citing members’ regularinteractions with residentsata scaleavolunteer boardmemberdoesn’t have “The councilmembers areactively dealingwiththisproblem on adaily basis,”hesays. “Theymay notbe engineers, buttheycertainly know alot of thedetails surroundingall of this andare keenly awareofthe criticisms andmaybe even some of thepotential fixes.”
ElrayHolmesattemptstouncloga catchbasin on thecorner of Basinand ClaiborneAve in 2018
Zulu headquarters floodedonBroad Street in NewOrleans on Wednesday, April10, 2024
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TwovehiclesonOlive Street areflooded during HurricaneFrancineonSept.11, 2024.
Morrellhas been more skepticalof theidea. He thinks theargumentthat politicianswillhavepolitical considerations andbelesslikelytovotefor rate increasesis“valid.”
Buthealsoseesthe valueinmaking theS&WBaccountable to city elected officials.
“Itmight be ashortcuttotryingto rebuildcredibility of theSewerage& WaterBoard andtomakethe Sewerage&Water Boardasanorganization more responsive to theratepayers whohaveeasieraccesstocouncil members,”Morrell says
2026 MILLAGE
THECLOCK IS TICKING forS&WB to getthe public back on itsside. With amillage up forrenewal in 2026, theagencycould lose around $20 millionofthe around $70million it currentlygetsfromits threemillages.
Typically, theBoard of Directors wouldhavetoapprove themillage, then thecouncil.Thenitwould go to a public vote
Korban didnot seem optimistic aboutthe chancesofthatmillage passing, pointing to voters rejecting oneinthe early1990s by 85%.
“Well, of course,Ihavetobevery concernedbecause historytells me that millages have very lowchanceof beingrenewed,”hesays.
In fact,heplans to use2025to work on aback-up plan:astormwater usagefee.Unlikemillages,which come from property taxes, thefee wouldchargepropertyownersbased on drainage usage.
Thegoal, Korban says,istomake allpropertiespay into thesystem,
includingthe around 38%ofproperties in thecityexemptfromproperty taxesdue to theirnonprofit status
However, howtheycan do that withoutraising ratesoneveryoneis unclear, andMorrell says anyplan that hits residentsalready paying into thesystemis“anonstarter.”
Korban says S&WB stillhas to work outthe details, buthewants to keep residentspayingthe same amount fordrainage.
In September, he said transitioningfromthe currentmillage system to asystemwithastormwater usagefee wouldbe“tricky”but also said he thoughtitis“about25 yearsoverdue.”
“I am counting on historyteaching us alessonand notallowingafunding gaptoexist andcountingonthe vision of thecitycouncil andthe mayor’s office,especiallythe newmayor,to focusonfinding asustainable way. that brings everybodyinthe city to contribute equally,”hetoldGambit.
Alot remainstobeseennextyear, includingthe effectsofconsolidating drainage,anew powerplant andthe installation of therestofthe smart meters,aswellaspossibleactionby statelawmakers.Lawmakers and residentsalike will also be keepinga closeeye on weathereventsand how theS&WBhandles them
“When thereare storiesabout we hadaboilwater advisory or somebody gets a$100,000billorthere’s this problemorthatproblem,that’s when lawmakerspay attention,” Giarrussosays.
Though so much is up in theair,one thingiscertain:2025willbeamakeor-break year forthe S&WB.
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Thefastand thefresh
EatWellKitchen
opensinMetairie by Beth D’Addono |
DR.COREY HEBERT IS CAREFUL about what he puts in hisgrocery cart.
“Peoplefollowmearoundand watch what Ibuy,” says WWL-Tv’s chief medical correspondent. “IfI want ice cream, Ihavetoshopatmidnightso people don’tcatch me.”
As atrusted health advocate who triestoeat nutrient-richfood, Hebert haslongbeenfrustratedwiththe lack of healthyfast-food options. “You have to go somewhereand sitdown, andIdon’t always have time forthat,”hesays.
That’s whyheisnow apartner in eatWellKitchen just offI-10at2200 causeway Blvd.inMetairie, which openedlastspring. Thefresh food, fast casual restaurant is thefirst projectfromagroup of localpartners includingcarmo’sDanaHonnand DavidAnderson.
“I knew David, oneofthe partners, andI’vebeeneatingatcarmo for years. When Iheard Dana wasbehind thekitchen,I knew it wasgoing to be great. other cities have quickhealthy food,weshouldtoo,” Hebert says BesidesHebert, Honn andAnderson, Barryvoseisalsoapartner.voseisa former financialservicesmarketing consultant assistingwithoperations.
Honn,who openedcarmo with his wife christina15years ago, is known internationallyfor hiscommitmentto climate-consciouscooking,withan emphasis on plant-based andvegetarian dishes andsustainably sourcedseafood.
Thechef couple recently announced that they areclosing carmoDec.21. “Wereallyweren’t profitable sincethe pandemic with so many rising costs,” Honn says.But theend of carmo’s chaptermarks thebeginning of anew chapterfor Honn,which will include threedifferent concepts that prioritize supporting localfoodsources.In addition to eatWell, they’reopening Nikkei,acreoleizakaya —a take on acasualJapanesepub —led by longtime carmochef Wataru Saekiat theBroadside.They’ve also already openedTempero’s Market Kitchen, a pop-up andeventscateringbusiness.
“Welearned alot over 15 years,” says Honn.“eatWellKitchen is aligned
DavidAnderson, Dana Honn andBarry Vose of EatWellinMetairie
with ourmission andcommitmentto servingaffordablefresh localfood.”
Locatedinaformercapitol one bank location that hadthe distinction of beingthe most robbed bank in town,eatWell Kitchenwas an idea that came to both Honn and Anderson,althoughtheyweren’t workingtogether at thetime. Anderson,acancersurvivoraware of theimportanceofeatingfresh food, hadthe idea of openingafresh fast-food restaurant,withelectricvehicle (ev) charging stations near thehighway.A trip to Sicily,wherefresh sandwiches areoffered forsaleatmostcornerbars, convincedhim that theconcept could applybackhome. Honn,who is an ev driver,had thesameideaand was alreadyresearching ev charging stations andsandwichesinSicily. Thepartners discovered theirsharedepiphanyover drinks at TheGildedPerch barinthe Park view HotelonSt. charles Avenue Theevsuper chargers forthe site areinthe works, likely readytogoby earlynextyear. eventually,the more traditional drive-thru experience will be possible, once existing infrastructure is
addressed. Fornow,theyare operatinglikeanold-school drive-up diner: an eatWellteam member comesout andtakes orders,returning with thefoodin aboutthree minutes. Therewill be onsite dining,withseating for 35 guests,althoughthe dining room design is stillinthe works. Themenu, whichtopsout at under$12,focuses on salads and sandwiches madefresh every morning, with proteinoptions includingGulfshrimp, organic localtofuand smoked organic chickenbreast. TheShinshu is a rice noodle saladwithveggies and miso dressing,while theBayou is made with organiclocal greens, pickledseasonalvegetables, carrots,tomatoes, LouisianaBayou blue or vegancheeseand Louisiana citrus vinaigrette. Sidesinclude athree bean saladand whitebean redpepper hummus with crispy flatbread.
Gracious Bakery is baking the Sicilian-styletorpedo rolls, abuilding blockfor theGamberi,a Gulf shrimp saladwithSwiss andaioli.The Pollo comeswithchicken breast,fresh basil, sun-driedtomatoesand provolone, whilethe ItalianflavoredSalumi features Benton’s ham, salami,olive andprovolone.The Giardino is made with localtofuand marinatedveg gies. Housemadechocolatemousseor chocolatechipcookies areoffered fordessert.Beverages includesoft drinks,coldbrew, sparklingjuice,bottled waterand Topo chico. Themenu is growing, with sfincione, or thick Sicilianpizza,onthe horizon.
Hebert is proudofthe menu,as he believes it fillsaniche forpeople whoare on thegobut searchingfor healthier meals.
“I have neverconsideredpar tnering in arestaurant, butI’m really into this,because Dana is involved,” he says.“Louisianaisalwaysinthe bottom five states when it comes to health andwellness, obesityand access to freshfood. eatWellKitchen is anew option forfolks whowantto eatfastbut healthy.”
Gautreau’s restaurant soon will open anew lounge rightnextdoor, sharing an expanded kitchenand bringing an upscalenight spot to theneighborhood.
TheloungewillbecalledAvegno, andrenovations arenow underway forits future home at 1724 Soniat St. It is slated to open in early2025, likely in February.
Gautreau’s,at1728SoniatSt.,is an upscalerestaurant with adevoted regular clientele. oneofits peculiarities,though, is having no bar, besides aservice barwherethe waitstaff preparedrinks.
Avegenowillbring adedicated bar next door,marking abig change forthe restaurant sincenew owners took the helm herelastyear.
“Wewantittobeanextension of therestaurantand mirror it as much as possible,” says KatieAdams, Gautreau’s manager.
Avegno’s future home wasonceapet storefor exotic birdsand reptiles with thecolorfulnameWings andThings. renovation work will connectthe lounge to therestaurantthrough the currentkitchen,which will expand the restaurant kitchen’scapacityand field aloungemenu. customerswillaccess each by separate entrances.
“Weasked ourselves, if Gautreau’s hada bar, what woulditlooklike?”says Gautreau’s chef robMistry. expect an elegant interior with elements of marble,leather anddark wood.There will be 12 seatsatthe bar andanother 24 seatsatsmall tables around theroom.
Avegno will occupy abuilding next to Gautreau’sRestaurant.
Therewillbeanextensive selection of winesbythe glassand afocus on classiccocktails.The lounge’s food menu,which is stillinthe works, will be more substantialthanbar food and distinct from Gautreau’s offerings.
“Itwillbesmall plates,and things that go well with drinking wine and strong cocktails,”Mistrysays.
Theloungeisnot namedfor the city’s healthdirector, Dr.Jennifer Avegno.Itis, instead, connectedto Gautreau’s history.
Anne Avegno russellfirst opened therestaurantin1982inaone-time pharmacy.She nameditfor the subjectofthe John Singer Sargent painting “PortraitofMadameX,” a French socialite namedvirginieAmélie Avegno Gautreau.Areproduction of that portrait hangsinsidethe restaurant andhas long been itslogo.
Gautreau’s changedhands in 1990 andfor threedecades wasowned by PatrickSingley.Lastyear, Singleysold it to anew ownership groupled by Bill Kearneyand JayAdams,the father of currentmanager KatieAdams. —Ian McNulty/The Times-Picayune
Japanesepop-up
AVIEWINTOA RESTAURANT’S OPEN KITCHENCAN BE alearning experience.You’relooking into theengine room,watchingdishesprogressto theplate andmaybe your owntable, watching theway thestaff works together,seeingthe paceand, hopefully, theprecision
There’sanopenkitchen at arestaurant pop-up in theWarehouse District that showsmuchmore.
It’s aviewintoaninstitution at work, onewiththe potentialtochangecareer trajectories forlocal people in thehospitality field, andone adding aneeded foundational layertothe city’s identity as ahospitality town.
Plus,its lunchmenuhas some bangingcracklings, atofudishand more lunchoptions refreshingly outof thenorm.
TherestaurantiscalledBaiyū,and it mixes Neworleans flavorswith Japanese culinary influences.
Baiyū(pronounced bayou) is thelatestedition of an ongoing, twice-yearly programatthe Neworleans culinary & HospitalityInstitute,orNocHI.
Aready-maderestaurantspace is part of theculinaryschool’scampus just offHarmony circle.eachclass of students hasachancetomakeittheir own, workingtogethertoconceive,
produceand then runtheir own on-campusrestaurant
They’retaskedwithassessing market trends,creatingdishesand analyzing thecosts behind them.Theyalsocome up with thelogoand artwork. They pitchthe concepttoa paneloflocal chefsand NocHIstaff,asiftheywere investorsinanew restaurant.Ithas to make sensefor thespace,and it hasto work forlunch
This time around,the NocHIclass of fall 2024 arrivedatBaiyū,using the idea of an izakaya, aJapanese-style tavern,withalot of snacks andsmall plates andafew entrees, allblending Deep Southand Fareastelements.
TheBaiyu pop-up serves grilledoysters with miso butter andpanko breadcrumbs.nextto Gautreau’sRestaurant.
Forthose whohaven’t visitedthe NocHIcampus, it’s acomplex of conjoinedbuildings centered on a century-old arts-and-craftsstunner of blondbrick andcaststone details. Thereare gleaming spaces devoted to teaching kitchensand classspace. Thereare specializedlabscenteredon baking andfoodscience,event halls anda pair of rooftopterraces.
Diners canfindBaiyū whereall of NocHI’spop-ups happen,onthe thirdfloor of theculinaryschool, in aroomwiththick ceilingbeams and broadwindows
Dinerscan seeflamesleaping around oystersonthe grill, whichare dabbed with miso butter andtopped with amix of pankobreadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese
Dumplingsthatlandsomewhere betweenwontons andgyoza arefilled with boudin andtoppedwitha spicysweetpepperrelish.
Thesurprisehit on theappetizer list arecracklings, perfectlycooked, as if sourcedfromacajun butcher shop,but dusted with togarashi, the peppery-smokyspice blend.
Forentrees,a bowl of ramenis crossedwithaseafood boil-infused broth. Thetofuinanother dish is coated in Asian-stylecaramel,which is more aboutstickyumami than
Weekend Specials
November 22 -24
Parmesan panocrusted redfish with greenbeans andMac andcheese
Alligator saucepiquante
Smoked brisket baked beans andcornonthe cob Jambalaya with friedredfish andseafoodcream
buttery-sweetdessert caramel. It’s served over rice stuffedwithpickled mirliton andshiitakemushrooms
Anyone cravinga late-seasonsnowball with atouch of autumn cantry thesatsuma creamsicle,which brings adollopofvelvety-dense icecream underdriftsoffluffyice with atart blastofcitrus.
Dinersalsocan getcocktails at Baiyū, andthe virgin versionofthe “mucho matcha man” is arefreshing, mellow contrast to thespice on themenu.
Therestaurant is acurriculum-basedexperience, andthroughoutthe meal patronscan hear NocHI’schef instructors workingwith therestaurant staf f, findingteachable momentsasliveservice continues around them.Studentsrotatethrough differentroles as thepop-upgoes, so awaiteronone visitcould be working in thekitchen on thenext, andthe cooksworkthe tables in turn It’s ademanding undertaking, part of aprogram designed to give studentsalot of training andexperience in ashort span
NocHI’sprogram followsadif ferent pathwaythanconventionalculinary schools. Insteadofpursuingtwo-year or four-yearcollege degrees, students complete asingle-semester certificate program.
Theaim is to provideanaccessible, affordablejump-startinthe fieldand help more people rise in management andtoother higher positions. Tuition andcosts runabout $17,000 forthe program, andmanystudentsattend NocHIwithscholarshipssupported by donors.Proceedsfrompop-ups like Baiyūsupport thosescholarships.
At thesametime, NocHIbringsa needed resource to theNew orleans hospitalityworld,a pipeline formore experienced andqualified people for businesses that sitatthe juncture of thecity’seconomy andculture.It’sgivingacitywithmanygreat restaurants aplace forstructured, professional training forthe people thoserestaurantsneed.
Thepop-upisone of theways NocHIinvites thepublicontoits campus, particularlypeopleinthe hospitalitybusiness. executivedirectorGerald Duhonsaysthe school will be doing more of this as it workstobecome“a convener,” aresourcefor thehospitalitycommunity to gather
LAST YEAR,TWO NEWRESTAURATEURS TOOK ABIG STEP by openinga large restaurant builtaroundsmall plates. Now, they’repreparing to open apair of connectedrestaurants,takingover awell-knownnameinthe Warehouse District dining scene
Tommy’scuisine andthe related Neworleans Social House, or N.o.S.H.,haveclosed.
Tommy’swillbecomea modern French bistro whileN.o.S.H.will become an oyster barand wine bar, both from chef FarrellHarrisonand managerBrian Weisnicht.
They haven’tannounced thenames forthe twoconcepts. Theoysterbar is slated to open first, likely in January, with afocus on naturalwines and Gulf seafood. Thebistrowillfollow in February.
Thetwo runplates, arestaurant afew blocks away in thecotton Mill building.
“We’re excited. It’llgiveusa chance to bringonalot of talented people we wouldn’t be able to otherwise,” Weisnichtsays.
Tommy’s(746Tchoupitoulas St.) wasfirst openedin2003bynamesake TommyAndrade,serving acombination of Italianand French creole cuisine.Helater openedTommy’s Wine Bar(752Tchoupitoulas St.) next door, andthe twobusinessesare connected by apassage.You couldstart your evening at thebar or return afterdinner. In 2016,Andrade sold both the restaurant andwinebar to creole cuisinerestaurantconcepts, along with athird restaurant,Tomas Bistro, just across TchoupitoulasStreet(that is nowanevent spacecalledthe Gallery, whichisnot part of this newdeal).
Therestaurantspaces occupied by Tommy’sCuisine andN.O.S.H.willholdtwo newrestaurants in 2025.
Thewinebar changedtoN.o.S.H., an upscalelounge, in 2017.
Marv Ammari,ceo of creole cuisine restaurant concepts,sayshe’sbeen impressedbythe management style andvisionhe’sseenfromHarrison andWeisnicht
He said hiscompany is focusedon growingconceptsthatcan expand, namely theBoulevard American Bistro brand, whichrecentlyopenedits fourth location nearby Harrison, achalmette native,came throughthe chef John Folseculinary InstituteatNichollsState University He’s cooked at American Sector, Borgne,the revamp of thecaribbean room at thePontchartrain Hotel, Public Serviceatthe NoPSIHotel and Josephineestelle at theAce Hotel. Weisnicht, aPensacola native,was with theLinkrestaurantGroup,asa manageratcochonand generalmanager at Gianna.
They teamed up forapop-upversion of plates before openingtheir restaurant at 1051 Annunciation St.inthe fall of 2023.The restaurant serves amenu focusedontapas-style dining andhas alarge barwithalongdaily happyhour (5-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 4-7p.m Friday-Sunday) —Ian McNulty/ TheTimes-Picayune
WI NE OF TH E WEEK
Goldeneye PinotNoir
Lush, layeredand complex, thisenticing Pinot Noir draws you in with aromas of ripe raspberry,black cherry, clove,and sweetbaking spices. Supple tannins and balanced acidity frame juicyflavors of blackberry and Bing cherry,withhints of nutmeg, leather and breakfasttea emerging on the robust finish.
PH
out to eatisanindexofGambitcontract advertisers. Unless noted, addressesare forNew orleans and all accept credit cards.Updates: email willc@gambitweekly.com or call (504)483-3106
Broussard’s— 819Conti St., (504)581-3866; broussards.com rainbowtrout amandine is served with tassoand corn macquechoux andcreolemeunieresauce.Brunchincludes Benedicts,chicken andwaffles andmore. reservations recommended. outdoor seatingavailable. Dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$
Cafe Normandie— HigginsHotel,480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining— The menu combines classicFrenchdishesand Louisiana itemslikecrabbeignetswithherbaioli Sandwiches includepo-boys,amuffuletta on flatbreadand aburger. No reservations Breakfastand lunchMon.-Sat.,dinner Fri.-Mon. $$
TheCommissary— 634OrangeSt.,(504) 274-1850;thecommissarynola.com A smoked turkey sandwich is served with bacon,tomatojam,herbedcream cheese, arugulaand herbvinaigrette on honeyoat bread. Themenuincludesdips, salads,sandwiches,boudinballs,fried oystersand more No reservations.outdoor seatingavailable. LunchTue.-Sat. $$
Desire Oyster Bar— RoyalSonesta New Orleans, 300Bourbon St., (504)586-0300; sonesta.com/desireoysterbar— Amenu full of Gulf seafoodincludeschar-grilled oysterstoppedwithParmesanand herbs Themenualsoincludespo-boys,po-boys, gumbo, blackenedfish, friedseafood platters andmore. reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily. $$
Dickie Brennan’sBourbon House— 144 BourbonSt.,(504) 522-0111;bourbonhouse. com— There’saseafood rawbar with raw andchar-broiledoysters,fishdip,crab fingers, shrimp andmore. redfishonthe Half-shell is cooked skin-onand served with crab-boiledpotatoes, frisee andlemon buerre blanc. reservations accepted.Lunch anddinnerdaily. $$$
Dickie Brennan’sSteakhouse— 716Iberville St., (504)522-2467; dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com— The menu includes avariety of steaks,plussearedGulffish, lobster pasta, barbecue shrimp andmore. A 6-ouncefilet mignon is served with fried oysters, creamedspinach,potatoesand bearnaise.reservationsrecommended Dinner Mon.-Sat. $$$
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 $$
Juan’s Flying Burrito— 515Baronne St., (504)529-5825; 2018 Magazine St., (504) 569-0000;4724S.CarrolltonAve., (504) 486-9950;8140Oak St., (504)897-4800; juansflyingburrito.com TheFlyingBurrito includes steak, shrimp,chicken,cheddar jack cheese,black beans, rice,guacamole and salsa. Themenualsoincludestacos,quesadillas,enchiladas, fajitas, nachos,saladsand more.outdoor seatingavailable. No reservations. Lunchand dinner Thu.-Tue $$ Katie’sRestaurant— 3701 IbervilleSt., (504)488-6582; katiesinmidcity.com— The cajuncuban with roastedpork, 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. $$ Kilroy’s Bar— HigginsHotel,480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941;higginshotelnola.com/dining— The barmenu includes sandwiches,saladsand flatbreads, includingone topped with peach, prosciutto, stracciatellacheese, arugulaand pecans.No reservations.Lunch Fri.-Mon., dinner daily. $$ Legacy Kitchen’sCraft Tavern 700 Tchoupitoulas St., (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 $$
LuzianneCafe— 481Girod St., (504)2651972;luziannecafe.com— Boudin Benedict features twopoached eg gs over boudin and an englishmuffin, served with greentomato chow chow andhollandaise.Noreservations. Delivery available. Breakfastand lunch Wed.-Sun $$ 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,crawfishetouffee, redbeans andriceand more.Breakfast is availableall day. Delivery available. No reservations.Breakfast,lunch and dinner daily. $$
Neyow’sCreoleCafe— 3332 BienvilleSt., (504)827-5474; neyows.com Themenu includes redbeans andricewithfried chicken or pork chops, as well as shrimp creole,seafood platters,po-boys,char-grilledand raw oysters, salads andmore. Side itemsinclude carrot souffle, mac andcheese, cornbread dressing,sweet potato tots andmore. No reservations.Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$
Nice Guys Bar& Grill— 7910 EarhartBlvd., (504)302-2404; niceguysbarandgrillnola. com— char-grilled oystersare topped with cheese andgarlicbutter, andother optionsinclude oystersrockefeller and loaded oysters. The creative menu also includes seafoodbread,acajun-lobster potato,wings,quesadillas,burgers,salads, sandwiches,seafood pasta, loaded friesand more.Noreservations. Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-Sat $$$
Parish Grill— 4650W.Esplanade Ave.,Suite 100, Metairie,(504) 345-2878;parishgrill.com— The menu includes burgers, sandwiches,pizza andsauteed andouille with figdip,bluecheeseand toastpoints. reservations accepted.Lunch anddinner Mon.-Sat $$
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.DinnerWed.Mon.,brunchSun $$
Rosie’sonthe Roof — HigginsHotel,480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining— The rooftop barhas amenuofsandwiches, burgersand smallplates. crab beignets aremadewith Gulf crabmeat andmascarponeand served with herbaioli.Noreservations. Dinner Mon.-Sat $$
Tableau 616St. PeterSt.,(504) 9343463;tableaufrenchquarter.com— The menu features traditionaland creative creole dishes.Pasta bouillabaissefeatures squid inkmafaldine,littleneckclams,Gulf shrimp,squid,seafood broth, rouilleand herbedbreadcrumbs.outdoor seating availableonthe balcony. reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Thu.-Sun $$$ Tacklebox— 817CommonSt.,(504) 827-1651;legacykitchen.com The menu includesraw andchar-broiledoysters, seafoodplatters, po-boys, friedchicken, crab andcornbisqueand more.redfish St charlesisservedwithgarlic-herb butter, asparagus, mushroomsand crawfish cornbread. reservations accepted.Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily. $$
Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza— 1212 S. ClearviewParkway,Elmwood,(504) 733-3803;2125VeteransMemorialBlvd., Metairie,(504) 510-4282;4024Canal St., (504)302-1133; 4218 Magazine St., (504) 894-8554;70488 Highway21, Covington, (985)234-9420; theospizza.com A Marilynn Pota Supremepie is topped with mozzarella,pepperoni,sausage,hamburger, mushrooms, bell peppersand onions.There also aresalads, sandwiches,wings,breadsticks andmore. Delivery available. Lunch anddinnerTue.-Sat. $
Tito’s Ceviche& Pisco— 1433 St.Charles Ave.,(504) 354-1342;5015MagazineSt., (504)267-7612; titoscevichepisco.com— The Peruvian menu includesseveral typesof ceviche, as well as steakand seafooddishes. Traditionallomosaltado features sauteed beef tenderloin tips,onions, tomatoes,soy sauceand pisco, served with potatoes and rice.outdoor seatingavailableonMagazine Street.Deliveryavailable.reservations accepted.Lunch anddinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$
TheVintage — 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144;thevintagenola.com— There’sa full coffee drinks menu andbaked goodsand beignets,aswellasafullbar.The menu has flatbreads,cheeseboards, smallplatesand apressed veggie sandwich with avocado, onions,arugula,red pepper andpepper jack cheese.Noreservations. Delivery and outdoorseating available. Breakfast, lunch anddinner daily. $$
whichcarries a$225,000 purse. The firstposttimeisatnoonThursday, Nov. 28.visit fairgroundsracecourse. comfor information.
Mark Normand
NewOrleans-born, NewYork-based comedian Mark Normand last year played theSmoothieKingcenteras part of Bert Kreischer’sFully Loaded tour with TiffanyHaddish andBig Jay oakerson.Thisyear, he’llhaveshows on twonightsinhis hometown,first at theintimatevenue Sports Drink on Toledano Street at 8p.m.and 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27.Tickets are$60 viasportsdrink.eventbrite. com. Then,he’ll headline the orpheumTheater at 7p.m.Saturday, Nov. 30.Those ticketsstart at $35 viaorpehumnola.net
19th Moon
NewOrleans electro-popmusician 19th Moon will performmusic from her recently released album, “Unfolded,”inanintimatesetting at 8p.m.Wednesday,Nov.27, at Steverapport’s gallery. Admission is free,but rSvP is requested via19thmoon.com.
StrangeRoux
NewOrleans band StrangeRoux playsthick,swampyrock’n’ roll with thevolumecranked up.It’sbeenafew yearssince thefive-pieces’full-length album, “Boogieman,” butthe group hasreleasedahandful of singlesover thelastcoupleofyears andisnow workingonanew eP for2025. catch them at 8p.m.Saturday, Nov. 30,at MapleLeaf. Ticketsare $15via mapleleafbar.comand $20atthe door
RobKazi
NewOrleans comedian RobKazihas racked up hundreds of thousands of followersfor hisconsistentshort sketches on social media, oftenfeaturing characters like thecoke-loving pimp charlie andface-tatted Tommy. Andinthe last fewyears,Kazihas hit thestage hard as astand-upcomic, delivering recent sets aboutbeing caught in alie,dealing with rising fame andmovingintoa gentrified suburb.Henow celebrates amilestoneasthe firstBlack Neworleansborn comedian to headline theJoy Theaterat7p.m.Saturday, Nov. 30.The show also features Grasa, Shervey, Smiley Da comedienne, Subtweet Shawn, KoreywithDaK andJoshuaStarkmanand is hosted by Shaddy FeelGood.Tickets startat $30via thejoytheater.com.
PJ Morton
NewOrleans’Grammy-award winning musician PJ Morton wraps up the“cape Town to cairo” tour with hisannualBlack Friday performance at theorpheum Theater Friday,Nov.29, at 8p.m.Mor ton, akeyboardist forMaroon5,blends hissoulful Gospel rootswiththe diverseelementsofmusic across Africa in thestudioalbum “cape Town to cairo,”which wasreleased in June.Mor ton’srecentlyreleased memoir “SaturdayNight,Sunday Morning:Staying True to Myself from thePewsto theStage”chronicles hisjourney from preacher’s kidto globally recognized musician and thechallengeshe facedinnavigating themusic industry whileupholding hisspiritual roots. He hostsabook signingfor hismemoiratGreater St.Stephen church on Thanksgiving Dayat10a.m.Tickets forhis BlackFridayhomecoming show star tat$35 andare available viaticketmaster.com.
Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake is oneofthe world’sbiggest popstars whose career hasimpactedmultiple generationsoffans. He firstentered thespotlight as aDisneykid in the early’90sbeforebecominga teen heartthrob andleadvocalistofboy band *NSYNc.Thenheachieved successasasoloartist, producer andHollywood actor. He released hissixth studio album, “everything IThought It Was” earlierthisyear. Timberlake is at theSmoothieKing center at 7:30 p.m. Monday,Nov 25.Tickets startat$55 andare available throughticketmaster.com.
DanksgivingRoast
DanksgivingbyKrewe Comedy
Sesh at theRabbitHole is hosted by Jo Jacksonand LesliBrown Tuesday, Nov. 26 starting at 5p.m. comediansShervy, Mark caesar, Smiley Da comedienne andAngela Lang perform, andthere will be DJ sets by Miah andKaystrikezand a specialperformance by localhip-hop artist LG.There will also be food and vendor booths.earlybirdtickets are availablefor $20through krewe.us, generaladmission is $30atthe door andother vIPpackagesare available. Guests receiveagoodiebag andfree entrytothe rebirthBrass Band setat
p.m.
info at rabbitholenola. comorkrewe.us.
Fo rc oMPLe Te MUSI cL IS TIN GS
AN DM ore eve NT 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
BLUE NILE ThecaesarBrother’sFunky Box, 8pm; Afrobeat NoLA, 11 pm
BLUE NILE BALCONYROOM— Kayla Jasmine &the experience, 10 pm
BMC — JakeLandry, 4pm; Soul Tribe, 10 pm
BOURBON OBAR — ellen Smith &April Spain, 4pm; Mem Shannon Trio,5 pm
BOURBON STREETHONKY TONK TheBad Sandys, 8pm
CARROLLTONSTATION The Boondogglesand Highway78, 9pm
FILLMORE — Ginuwine, 8pm
FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB richard"Piano"Scott,12:30pm; Sam Friend JazzBand, 2:30 pm;Woodis/ Lange Band, 6pm; Fritzels All Star Band w/Kevin rayclark, 9pm
FILLMORE — Ginuwine, 8pm
HOLYDIVER rik Slave’s DarkLounge Ministries, 8pm
HOUSE OF BLUES Neno calvin, 9pm LE BONTEMPSROULÉ — retroft, 9pm; caleb Tokarska,11pm
MUSIC BOXVILLAGE— Alfred Banks, Alfred Jordan Jr., BrettGardner and more, 6:30 pm
ORPHEUM THEATER PJ Morton, 8pm THE PRESSROOMATTHE ELIZAJANE — or Shovaly Plus, 4pm
DEWDROP INN — Mikhala Iverson &The Gerald French Band,1:30pm
FILLMORE — TheFront Bottoms andHey, Nothing,8pm
FRITZEL'S EUROPEANJAZZCLUB— richard“Piano”Scott,12:30 pmSteve Detroy Band, 2:30 pm;Bourbon Matinee All Star Band w/chuck Brackman,6pm; Fritzels All Star Band w/JamilSharif,9pm
MAPLELEAFBAR Strangeroux, 8pm; Deltaphonic, 11 pm
PJ Morton performs at theOrpheum TheatreFriday, Nov. 29 at 8pm.
MUSIC BOXVILLAGE— Halloween
Do-overwith Quintron and Miss Pussycat, 7pm
NOLA BREWING — Lightnin'Malcolm, 7pm
OKAY BAR— Mango,Big Leather,Beat Up and Willy Gatrum, 8pm
PIROGUE’SWHISKEY BAYOU— Tongue and Groove,8pm
THE PRESSROOMATTHE ELIZAJANE— or Shovaly Plus, 4pm
PRYTANIA THEATRES AT CANAL PLACE
— Phil Melancon, 7pm
REPUBLIC Trivecta,11pm
ROCK 'N'BOWL— Mothership: ALed Zeppelin Tribute, 8:30 pm
SANTOS DJSoN, 10 pm
TIPITINA’S Maggie Koerner, Gabrielle cavassax LexMachina and A.J. Haynes, 9pm
SUNDAY 1
BROADSIDE 1stSundayfeat. Jon cleary,Joshua Starkman, Kristin Diable and more, 9am; Subdivision: Joy Division Tribute, 6pm
Getyourtickets nowto ourpopul ar holiday programs including thenew Victor yBelles Ring in theSea sonshow.
Reveillondinners
Q& A KUR TIS BL OW
on na tion al ce lebrat ions , ‘Basket ball’ a nd cr owd re ac tio ns
BY JA KE CLA PP
KU RT IS BL OW is considered oneofthe founding fathersofhiphop. Born in Harlem,New York,Blow became thefirst rapper signed to a majorlabel in 1979 at theage of 20 Mercuryrecords hadpickedupthe emerging emcee andquickly released hisdebut single,“christmasrappin’,” co-written with producersrober tFord andLarrySmith andsongwritersDenzil Miller andJ.B.Moore.The holidaysong went on to sell nearly 400,000records in itsfirst year
Blow’s follow-upsingle, “The Breaks,” in June 1980,was thefirst rapsong to become certifiedgoldand is oneof theall-timeclassicsofhip-hop.Blow went on to release10albumsduring the’80sand scored hits with thego-go infused“PartyTime,”“8Million Stories” and“Basketball”—itselfaninfluential song helpingintertwinethe sportwith hip-hop. The1985track “IfI ruledthe World” wasanother majorhit forBlowin 1985,and acclaimedrapperNas remade thetrack adecadelater.
Blow continuestoperform andisalso an ordained minister anda founding member of TheHip HopMuseuminThe Bronx. Blow is nowontourwith“The HipHop Nutcracker”(seepage5), and Gambit spokewithhim aboutlastyear’s celebrations of the50thanniversary of hip-hop.
Kurtis Blow: I’dsay it wasincredible. Andindescribable becauseyou hadthe wholeculture,the wholemovement, from theoGs andthe pioneers to the NewSchool, they allare gettingphone callsfromevery kind of organization, companies,agents, events,clubs, podcasts, interviews.They’re alltrying to cash in andcashout andjustbeapart of this celebration. It wasamazing just to be relevant again[laughs]. Iwouldn’t saythatfor myself because“christmas rappin’” playsevery year and“The Breaks” and“Basketball.”
This is the 40th anniversary of “Basketball,”too.
Blow: We didanother version, a remake,a remixthat’sout rightnow It’s called “Basketball2.0,” andI’m mentioning thenew playersoftoday,like LeBron Jamesand Stephcurry andLuka [Doncic] andKD(KevinDurant).The videoisincredible. We have theNew York Knicks in it with JalenBrunson and Josh Hart AndLolaBrookeisaguest emcee. She does averse talkingabout theWNBA. Shoutout to SueBirdand caitlin[clark] andBrittney [Griner].They’re sponsoringthissongalong with theNBA and DoorDash.
Tell me about playing NewOrleans in your early years.
Blow: Forme, Neworleans wasintegral in thosefirst days becausefor guys like me,when we came to Neworleans andplayedthese clubsand thesecommunity centers, it wassoimportant for us to do well.The audience acceptance andresponseand theirreactiontothose initialmoments gave us thefortitude to continue.
When they lovedusinthe beginning, that’s what gave us theinspiration to continue.In1980, Iwas on tour with thecommodoresand we were at abig arena, anditwas amazing. I’ll never forget thecrowd response [Editorial note:The Commodores andBlowplayedthe BatonRouge RiversideCentroplex (now theRiver Center)inJune1980, andBlow wouldcomethrough NewOrleans in November that year forashowatthe HyattRegency Ballroom.]
Iwas inspired by DJ Hollywoodtouse alot of crowdresponse, andIput them in my records, too. “Throw ya handsin theair /Wave‘em like youjustdon’t care /And if you’re notasquare/And you’ve gotonclean underwear/ Somebody say oh yeah!” Andeverybody screams. That response wassoloudinNew orleans, everyone hearditfor milesaround.
EVENTS ISSUE
WI N
PE LI CAN S TI CK ET S!
Horsing around
by WillCoviello
AS THEHUMAN HORSE RACESMARKTHEIR FIFTH ANNIVERSARY,Ingrid Anderson is trying to keep up with her growingherd. Severalhorsesparaded undertheir banner in the Southern Decadence Parade in September. Butsomefamiliar ponies from her five whimsicalstables will be readyfor their humanrunners and jockeysatthe annual eventineastonParkon Thanksgiving.The event haschanged slightly every year as it hasgrown,and this year includes new kids’races,a halftime show andexpandedfood anddrink offerings. Anderson originally launched theHuman Horseraces as an alternativetohorse racing at thetrack, in part outofconcern over thetreatment of animals.She createdhorse characters with colorful namesand a decoratedhorse head to boot People whowanttobeinthe races sign up to runasthe horseoftheir choice anddon theappropriate head at post time.other people sign up to ride as jockeysfor theroughly 50-yarddash. Participants mostly sign up as teams, butpeoplecan sign up solo andfind team partners at theevent.
Newthisyearisaminitrack forkids’ racing.Inthose races, thechildrenride hobbyhorses, andthereare prizes Kiddie racing starts at 11 a.m. Therealsoisanareawithgames,like giantJenga,hulahoops andmore. In addition to racing,thereare prizes forthe best dressedattendees.There areprizesfor best hat, best dressedand overallBestinShow. Newthisyearisa Fanciest Foal costumecontest forkids.
Anderson,anartistand hair and makeup stylist, invented stableswith namesand personalitiesthathavethe ring of social cliques.
Thehorsesslatedfor this year’s event includethe yellow-maned Banana Lassofromthe PatchouliDusters stable. FlearoyJenkins is representing the Wild Horses stable.The 24 carrot club is fielding earl Gay. TheB.U.B.B.L.e. stable brings back Frisky Menage,and theStarSkufflers arerepresented by ThunderBuckets.Inrecentweeks,short videos aboutthe horses andtheir stables have previewedthisyear’seventsonthe @humanhorseraces Instagram page Thereare prizes forthe winnersand gambling forviewers.All prizes are handmade by localartists.Betting on racesworks more as arafflewith gift basket prizes.
This year’s racing card features eight racesfor adults (18and up)and three family races, in whichchildren(6years andup) canrideasjockeys.The firstrace starts at 11:30a.m.and thefestivities will be broadcastonWHIv102.3 FM
TheDapperDandies have always performedatHuman Horseraces.This year,they’ll play aset during thehalftime show,which also includes aperformance by theJamettesdance troupe anda fewanimal-welfare-themed songsfromthe N.o. Lawchoir
Food pop-upsinclude theIndiancreole fusion of InaayatNoLA, vegan optionsfromTanjarine Kitchen and noodle anddumplingpurveyorWukong ramen. This year,the barwilloffer UrbanSouth Brewerybeers,hot toddies, as well as spiritswithmixersof sodasand acoupleofspecial punches. Therealsoisriverbend coffee
AdmissiontoHuman Horseraces is $10inadvance vialinktr.ee/humanhorseraces,or$15 at thegate. Kids under13get in free.Aportion of proceeds from HumanHorse racesare donatedtoGreenoequineSanctuary in LeBlanc, Louisiana.
HumanHorse Racesare from 11 a.m. to 3p.m.Thursday, Nov. 28,inEaston Park (3141ToulouseSt.). Visitlinktr.ee/ humanhorseracesfor information.
PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE
SHADY TYPES
By Frank A. Longo
ACROSS
1 “The Joy of Painting” host
8 Morse clicks
12 Aiming ambitiously
20 Prophesiers
21 Modest “I think,” online
22 Teleported back onto the Enterprise
23 Being tracked, as a plane
24 Went quickly
25 Vivid reds
26 Mykelti Williamson’s “Forrest Gump” role
29 -- Khan (Islamic title)
30 Extend beyond
31 Resort port NNW of Nantes
35 Donnie Wahlberg’s “The Sixth Sense” role
Slugging stick
Really hate
“Don’t worry about me”
Abbr. on a naval vessel
Taylor Lautner’s
Idris of
“The Very Busy Spider”
Summer, to the French
Dog in “Garfield”
Nosh
82 Poetry Muse
Words clarifying a spelling
--Ops (CIA mind games)
Sponge (up)
Annie Murphy’s “Schitt’s Creek” role
She bleats
Jeans (denim brand)
Having a laid-back personality
U. URL end
Jennifer Aniston’s “Friends” role
Discovers
Full of small spots
Ear-relevant prefix
What this puzzle’s eight featured people are?
Result of haemoglobin
riding steeds
“It appears that way”
Former Spanish coins
tube (idiot box)
34 Mork’s planet
Feel at ease and happy around, slangily
Impersonates
Peace Prize winner, e.g.
“One L” author Scott
Granted, as a right
Warty critters
Cookie container
Cockney, e.g.
Zone
49 “-- favor” (“Please,” in Peru) 51 Sol-do linkup
52 “Stayin’ Alive” group
56 Cuisine with pad see ew
59 Beneficiary of a check
60 Subtitle of “Star Wars Episode IV” 61 Having had its wrapper ripped off 63 Blast maker 64 Intense anger 65 Shade tree 66 Swiss river 69 Hotel chain 70 Breakdancing guy, in slang 72 “Woe is me!”
73 39.37 inches, in England
75 Plains tent
76 Idiot boxes
78 Cheat sheets
79 “Kwon do” or “Bo” lead-in
82 Do a workout
84 Lion’s mane, e.g.
87 Ocean off FL
88 Stuff in soap
89 Org. fining polluters
90 Word add-on: Abbr.
92 “-- duck?” (Chico Marx question)
93 Mentor’s trainee
96 Pertain (to)
97 Build up, as revenue
98 Person who is advanced money
99 Some sporty autos
101 Blighted districts
103 Guitars’ ancestors 106 Lyric works 107 Nevada city 108 Highway exit
