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‘Ashyto Classy’
DonnellRawlingsperformsat JoyTheater Dec. 8
COMEDIAN DONNELL RAWLINGS IS AMAN OF MANY TALENTS.Heevensings alittle gospel in hismostrecentspecial,“New Day,”releasedinFebruaryonNetflix.
It’s notexactly gospel in hisversion, buthesings “beans,greens, potatoes,tomatoes, chicken, turkeys, lambs, rams,hogs” andmorefroma Thanksgivingfeast.Itcomes from an oldvideo of gospel greatShirley caesar that resurfaced andwentviral in 2016 In thespecial,rawlingsisusing the song to teasewhite membersofthe audienceabout whattheyknowabout Blackculture.Heleans into caesar’s rousingversion of everything sheplans to cook.And then he does what he callsa“white” versionofthe song, singingalistincluding Brussels sprouts, arugula, asparagus, yogurt,granola, flax seed oil, avocadooil andother trendy cookingitems
“There’sasayingthatwhite people thinkthey’re cool if they getinvited to thecookout,” rawlings told Gambit “It’smyway of inviting whitepeopleto thecookout.”
rawlings comestoNew Orleanson Dec. 8for ashowatthe JoyTheater. rawlings is best knownfor hiswork with Dave chappelleon“chappelle’s Show”and as Damien “Day Day” Price on “The Wire.” More recently,hevoiced thecharacter Dezonthe animated movie“Soul.”
On “chappelle’s Show,” rawlings immortalized thecharacter Ashy Larry, whoappearedtohaveflakeyskin andoften wore onlyboxer shorts and construction boots. It wasabit role that became arecurring one, andrawlings hasnever stoppedrepeating thejoke that thecharacter is goingfrom“Ashy to classy.”
Theoriginalsketchimaginedfar less than what showed up on camera
“AshyLarry wasn’t Ashy on paper,” rawlings says.“He wasjustLarry.”
Therewerea lotoftalentedcomedianson“chappelle’sShow,”including Bill Burr,charlie Murphy andmore. rawlings made themostofhis opportunities, includinginthe “World Seriesof Dice”sketchthatfeaturedAshyLarry, in whichhecovered himselfinbaby powder withouttelling thewriters or other comedianshow he waspunching up hisscreentime.
“Onthatshow, Ididn’thavetoo many speaking lines,”hesays. “So Iknewthatasacomic Icould be physical andanimated. AnytimeIgot acharacter,Iwould addlayerstotry to
by Will Coviello |
KrampusNOLAuf
make it funnier. Ionlysay like four or five wordsinthatsketch, butit’sfunny when yousee me.Sometimes,just thecamerapanning over to you is enough.”
rawlings andchappelle arebothfrom Washington,D.c., butdidn’tmeetuntil they were doingcomedyinNew York
“chappelle’s Show”was thefirst time they worked together.Theyremained friendsand collaborators, andrawlings hasopenedfor himontours rawlings turned to chappelleto produce“NewDay,” whichtheyfilmed threetimes before goingwiththe final cutrecordedinNew York
In thespecial,rawlingsspeakswhat’s on hismind. He talksabout growingolder, beingmistakenfor other Blackactors whiletraveling andbeing “rich,”arefrain from the“chappelle’sShow” tagline. He talksabout hispride in having ayoung son andhis troubles coparentingwithamuch youngermother.There’s abig detour into
“I am pretty sure,the best relationshipsare toxic,”hetold Gambit. “Thatsaysalot for toxicrelationships.”
In thespecial,healso talksabout interracial dating andthe viewsof psychologist Dr.Umar Johnson, whoopposes it.
Whilehejokes gratuitouslyinthe special aboutthe pleasures he findsinit, he’s also interested in thediscussion.Morerecently, he hadJohnson on his podcast to discussthe issue. Butrawlings remains unconvinced.
“It’scrazy to thinkthat love andrelationships should only be accepted if they go oneway,” he says.“Youcan’t tell peoplewho they canlove. That gets kind of stupid.” rawlings star tedhis namesake podcast thinking it wouldbe amix of comedy and seriousdiscussions.
“I just wanted to have avoice,” rawlings says.“Some days everything is funny. Some days it’llbe seriousthings. Yearsago,after theincident with George Floyd— thenextday, Iwasn’tfeeling funny. Iwantedtospeak abouthow Ifelt. Podcasts areanhonest wayfor people to gettoknowyou,not just what youdoasaprofession. Itry to be entertaining,but Ican do both.”
He’s takenona diversearray of roles andprojects, includingrecentstints on theSTArZ crimeshow“BMF” and theseries“WinningTime: Theriseof theLakersDynasty.”But he considers himselfastand-upcomic first. And even though he’s landingjokes,he’s alwaystalking aboutwhat’sreally on hismind.
“chappelle told me yearsago,it’sour jobtomakefun of thethingsthatare troublingthe world,”hesays. DonnellRawlingsperformsat8p.m. Sunday,Dec.8,atJoy Theater. Tickets are$40.50via ticketmaster.com.
TheKrewe of Krampusholds its holidayparade full of winter spirits includingthe Y’ules,Sisters of Shhh, Barbegaziand thefeared Krampus, whopunishesthose whohavebeen bad. Throws includeKrampus coal and more.The routestartsonroyal Street near France Street andendsatPiety Street.There’sanaccessibility zone with aquiet zone andASL interpreter on Independence Street.At7:30p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Visitkreweofkrampus.orgfor details.
NewOrleans HolidayParade
TheCarnival-styleparadefeatures 30 floats with holidaythemes,large helium balloons,marchingkrewesand dancegroups, Santaand othercharacters,throwsand more.The parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at esplanadeAvenueand NorthPeters Street,crosses theFrenchQuarter, does alooponcanal Street andendsin theWarehouse District.WDSUTVwill broadcastthe event. Visitnolaholidayparade.com fordetails
‘A ChristmasCarol’
Actorand playwright PatrickBarlow is known forworks like “39Steps.” Hisadaptationofcharles Dickens’ holidayclassic slimsthe work down to five actors andaddsabit of comedy crescent city Stagepresentsthe show at MarquetteTheatre at Loyola University NewOrleans.At7:30p.m Wednesday, Dec. 4, throughSaturday, Dec. 7, and2:30p.m.Sunday, Dec. 8, andDec.11-15.Tickets $10-$58.90 viacrescentcitystage.com
‘It’saWonderful Life,Y’all’
George Bailey gets alittleholiday help from some very NewOrleans characters in rickyGraham’sholiday show.At7:30p.m.Friday, Dec. 6, and Saturday, Dec. 7, and2and 6p.m Sunday,Dec.9.The runcontinues Dec. 13-22. rivertownTheatersfor the Performing Arts.Tickets $41-$45via rivertowntheaters.com.
Holiday Entertainment
Getyourtickets nowto ourpopul ar holiday programs including thenew Victor yBelles Ring in theSea sonshow.
Holidays at Te Higgins
Extendyourstayonthe Museum campus with special Papa Noel ratesand holiday Reveillondinners at TheHig gins Hotel&ConferenceCenter. Vi sithigginshotelnola.com.
Find
OP EN IN G GA MB IT
Themayor’s gonnahaveenoughfrequentfiermiles when she’sdone, shewon’t ever have to come back
NesbyPhips, theNew Orleans musician,producer andvisual artist,was recently recognized by theNew Orleanscitycouncil for hislong, active career.Phips grew up in the3rd Ward and, alongwith releasinghis ownmusic as asolo hip-hopartist, hasworkedwith LilWayne,curren$y, Wiz Khalifa andmore. Phipsalsohas consulted with outletssuchaseSPN, The NewYorkTimes andVIceabout NewOrleansculture.
LyndaBermuda, an Uptown resident whohas fought for amonth to save thechinese tallow tree in frontofher house —including by campingout in the tree —has wonassurancesfrom city of ficialsthatthe tree won’t be cutdown. Bermuda’sfather originally plantedthe tree in 1973 to celebratehis daughter’s birth. Last year,contractors allegedly damagedthe tree’s root system during road work,and thecity said it hadtocomedown. But independentarborists have said thetreeishealthy andany damagecan be remediated
TeedySocial? NewOrleans MayorLaToya Cantrell to launch newpropagandaoutlet
AFTERMONTHSOFREFUSINGTOFACE
QUESTIONSFROMTHE PRESS —or thegeneral public,for that matter NewOrleansMayor LaToya cantrell will take apageout of theauthoritarian playbook andcreateher own“news”outlet.”
Accordingtoapress release, cantrell’s “news” programwill be called city News –not to be confusedwithchicago’s legendarycity News Bureau,which wasanactual news outlet that coveredcrime, politics andcorruptioninthe Windy city from 1890 until2005.
Nola Insight. To date it’s only aired twice. Whetheritwillcontinuethat grueling pace or be replaced by city News is unclear.
THENUMBEROFRESTRAINING ORDERS FILEDBYUNHOUSED PEOPLE AGAINSTTHE STATE OVER ITSENCAMPMENT SWEEPS SINCEOCTOBER.
Orleanscivil District Judgeethel Julien sided with plaintif fs in theongoing legalbattle Nov. 24,halting thestate’s latest ef fort to clear encampments. Julien said state of ficialsmustcomplywithcitycodewhen clearing encampments, includingissuing notice 24 hoursinadvance.She also said of ficialscan’t disposeofpropertywithout dueprocess
Ronald “Slim”Williams and Bryan“Birdman” Williams, theco-founders of cash Money records, last week gave out 200turkeys andother itemsfor Thanksgiving dinner to families in the9th Ward.The Williams brotherspartnered with city councilPresident Helena Moreno andnonprofit Giving Hope NOLA forthe Thanksgivinggiveaway, an annual traditionfor Birdmanand Slim sincethe mid-’90s
Theshow, whichwillappearon thecity’sYouTube channeland other social mediaplatforms,will allegedlyinclude “news, in-depth features,and inspiringstories”and is designed to “connect with the people of NewOrleans,and showcase thecity’srichculture,diverse communities, anduntoldstories.”
cantrell hasseenher approval ratingsplummet to just 33 percent. That collapse in suppor thas been driven by anumberoffactors, includingthe city’s collapsing infrastructure,periodic outbursts of violence,ascandal involvingher allegedparamourand former securitydetailmemberJef frey Vappie, federalcorruptionindictments of Vappie anda politicalallyofthe mayorand loomingindictments of themayor herself
Formuchofthe last year,cantrell hasisolated herselffromresidents, whichalsomay be helpingtoreduce herpopularity. Formonthsshe’s refusedtofacequestions from the press, andhas largelylimited her exposure to questioningbyresidentstotightly controlled events Hercommunicationsofficeregularly refusestorespond to requestsfor commentfromreporters,while the
Whichannual eventare you lookingforward to during theholiday season?
CELEBRATIONIN THEOAKS
city’s processing of public records requests hasslowedtoa crawl.
Shehas,however,maintaineda very busy public schedule –though it’s mostly been outsidethe city, andoften thecountry.She recently returned from ajaunt to riode Janeiroand is scheduledtoheadto BeverlyHills next Luckilyfor themayor,her new show probably won’tcut into her jam-packedtravelitinerary. Accordingtothe pressrelease,it’ll be produced andhostedbytwo of her staffers,which should leave themayor free to continue her city-fundedworld tour through theremainderofher term —JohnStanton
MAYORL ATOYACANTRELLROSETO POWERSURROUNDEDBYATEAM of politicalkingmakers, veteran public servants anddedicated outsiderswho sawpromise in the LosAngeles native’s fiery, anti-establishmentapproach to running NewOrleans.
Much of that team is nowgone. entering her last year in office, themayor —weighed down by low approval numbers, aseriesofcontroversies andafederal investigation —isincreasinglyisolated, with few of her politicalmentors andadvisors stillbyher side,according to public recordsand interviews with more than adozen currentand former officialsand politicaloperatives.
cantrell’s broadcircleofadvisors once included veteranNew Orleans politicalstrategists likeBill rouselle, BobTucker, SilasLee andKaren carvin.She used to countondeputieswithexperienceand connections, like former chiefofstaff John Pourciau andcommunicationsdirectorBeauTidwell.Fondof outsiders, cantrell also sought counselfrom people like Maggie carroll, agraphic designer-turnedhousing developer whosepolitical talentsled to her runningcantrell’s barrier-busting 2017mayoral campaign.
Aftercantrellwon therace, aweb of informal confidantscalledregularlytodispenseadviceand offer gentle criticism.
Sevenyears later, rouselle and Tucker aredead. Pourciau moved on to theprivate sector.carroll is rumoredtobelivingabroad. Several othercurrent andformerfriendsand
advisors saytheir once-close professional relationships with themayor have withered
Thechanges happened over the course of cantrell’s second term in office,but have acceleratedinthe past eighteen months as shehas facedpublicscandalsand private struggles, accordingtointerviews with severalpeoplewho were close to her or remain so.Atthe same time,the mayorhas retreatedfrom thepubliceye —cedingpolitical ground to thecitycouncil and Louisiana’sdeeplyconservative governor,JeffLandry.
Ageand thenormalturnoverof mayoraladministrations were partly to blame.
Butthe mayor’sbombastic style, too, whichonceendeared hertosupporters, hasattimes left advisors wearyofgivingher
counsel, five people interviewedfor this storysaid. Fond of doingthings herown way, cantrell gradually stoppedconfiding in oldcolleagues as criticismfromthe public grew louder,theysaid.
“I really don’tknowwho she’s relyingonright now,”saidLee,a veteranpollsterwho taught cantrell as an undergraduate at Xavier University,workedonher first campaign andremaineda confidant untilayearago.
Anatural response?
Some of cantrell’s defenders describe herisolation as anatural response to attacksshe’s faced from almost everylevel of the politicalestablishment in her second term.One former advisor notedshe is an “unconventional leader”who throughout her career
hasgatheredpolitical advice “outside thetraditional channels most politiciansget feedback.” cantrell’s of fice hasnot respondedtoatleast five interview requests sinceAugust,including a requestmadelastweek. In astatement forthisarticle,spokesperson Leatrice Duprésaidthe mayorhas continuedgatheringinput from onesourceabove allothers: NewOrleanians.
“The people themayor listensto arethe people of NewOrleans,” Duprésaid. “Ithas been that waysince shewas acommunity Organizer, to thecitycouncil,and nowasMayor.Whatmatters most to MayorLaToyacantrellnow andin
MayorLaToyaCantrell.
thefutureare people of this world classcity.”
Yetsomepolitical analysts say cantrell’s retreatfrompublic appearanceshas left some voters to conclude sheisuninterested in thejob.Her approval rating is at just 33%, andshe is spending more time outofthe city at climate conferencesand other global leadershipevents.
“Peoplehaveassignedresponsibility to her fornot beinghere,” said ed chervenak, whorunsUNO’s Survey research center.“It just seemslikethe verdictisin, that voters have made up theirminds.”
Earlydays
It wasrousellewho plantedthe seed in cantrell’s mind that as adistrict councilmember, sheshouldseek themayor’s office,recalledcarvin andDavid Winkler-Schmit,another localpoliticowho advisedher 2017 mayoralcampaign.
Winkler-Schmit, rouselle and othershad gotten to know cantrell when shewas an activist fighting to save thecity’sBroadmoor neighborhood afterHurricane Katrina.
“She wastireless,” WinklerSchmitrecalled. “She’s probably existing on afew hoursofsleep a night, travelingbetween Houston andNew Orleans. ... Andshe got things done.”
Aboutadecadeafter cantrell arrivedonthe politicalscene,her mayoralcampaignstormed to victoryonthe advice of rouselle, Lee, Tucker,carvinand others campaign managers MarilynWood andlater carrollspearheadeda grassroots approach that overcame better-fundedopponents.
At thestart of her firstterm, cantrell tapped GilbertMontaño, aveteran of city government in Albuquerque,New Mexico,as her chiefadministrativeofficer Pourciau,whose collaborativereputationcontrastedwithcantrell’s sometimes-confrontationalstyle, wasappointed chiefofstaff.
cliftonDavis wasnamed cantrell’s executivecounsel.Julius Feltus, asenioradvisor on community issues,had been at hersidesince her councildays. Intergovernmental relationschiefArthurWalton also joined cantrell’s core team. cantrell notchedearlywins. Sheredirected millionsofdollars from thetourism industry to New Orleansinfrastructureprojects. Sheraisedcityworkers’pay andlaunchedbillionsofdollars’ worthofroadimprovements. Her
handling of thepandemicearned praise in thesolidly Democratic city (thoughmanyconservatives criticized her approach).
even then,intra-staff tensions begantoappearinthe upper ranksofcantrell’s administration, accordingtomultiplepeoplefamiliar with thedynamicwho requested anonymitytorecount sensitivediscussions.Montaño emergedasatop stafferwho wastrusted by both the mayorand city council, helpinghim broker policymaking efforts.
Butsometop cantrell advisors viewed themayor as toodeferential to him, andasher second term beganin2022, Montaño’sroleas akey go-between became apoint of tensionamong senior staf fas thecouncil feuded more with the mayor, said four currentand former of ficials.
Montañodeclinedtocomment
Changing tides
It wasaroundthattime, amid the malaisethatfollowedHurricane Idaand mounting violentcrime, that cantrell’s popularitybegan to falter.criticslaunchedanultimately unsuccessfulrecalleffor t againsther in 2022.W VUe-TV and other news outletsstarted covering allegationsthatshe waspassing significant time in acity-owned apar tmentinthe French Quar ter with NOPDofficer JeffreyVappie, oneofher bodyguards
Severaltop staf fers hadalready departed,asoften happensat theend of aterm, particularly onedominated by acrisislikethe pandemic.InadditiontoPourciau, wholef tthe administration forthe privatesector, infrastructure chief ramsey Green, city attorney Sunni LeBeoufand Public Safety and Homeland Securitydirector Terry ebbert alllef t.
DavistookPourciau’splace.Anew communications director,Gregory Joseph,adopted amoreconfrontational stylethanTidwell,who also left forthe privatesector. Joseph waslater pushed outofhis role by thecitycouncil earlyin2023, Tucker died.Jason cantrell,the mayor’shusband,died suddenly in August of that year rouselle died ayearlater. Both Tucker androusellehad publicly suppor tedcantrellin toughmoments.But in hersecond term,she hadsometimes rebuffed theiradvice. Akey rift emerged when rouselle urgedher to more
ag gressively hitbackagainst attacksfromthe council, accordingtomultiplepeoplefamiliar with theirconversations
“It’slikea school-yardbully:If youdon’t fightthemoff thefirst day they’llbebackthe second day,”said onecurrent ally of cantrell’s.“Not hittingbackgavethemthe fuel to keep going.”
Themayor fell outoftouch with otheradvisors. Lee, theveteran pollster,saidhelastspoke to the mayor“by accident”latelastyear when thetwo crossedpaths while groceryshopping.
Attempts to reachcarroll, cantrell’s closeadvisor and2017 campaign manager, were unsuccessful. Sheappears to have left politics andisthought to be living outsideofthe country, accordingto politicalinsiders. cantrell’s political action committees andcampaign accounts aredormant
Severalother former advisors said they remain friendly with cantrell andspeak with herregularly, but avoidtalking aboutpolitics.
Currentlandscape
Thesedays, only asmall groupof city Hall figuresremainascantrell’s topadvisors. Davis, cantrell’s chief of staff; Walton,her intergovernmental affairsdirector; andFeltus, hercommunity relationsguru, are amongthe mayor’sregular confidants, accordingtofivepeople familiar with theadministration’s day-to-day functions.
Montañoremains,too,thoughhe continuestoweather thecompeting interestsofcantrell’sadministration andthe empoweredcitycouncil cantrell still haspolitical allies scatteredthroughoutcitygovernment, includingJay Banks, the former councilmemberand aleader of theBOLDpolitical group. cantrell also oftenconfidesinOfficeof criminal Justicecoordinationhead TenishaStevens,three people familiarwiththeir relationship said Themayor’s office didnot respond to arequest to interviewtop administrationofficials
Vappie,who facesfederal charges forallegedly concealing aromanticrelationshipwiththe mayorin ordertokeepreceiving histaxpayer-fundedsalary, appearsclose to her,too.The twohavedenied having an affair,but Vappie’s lawyers successfully petitioned ajudge to allowhim to communicatewith cantrell before histrial,sayingthat
cantrell is “important to him” and will be by Vappie’s side during “the greatest ordeal of hislife.”Vappie haspleaded notguilty.
Also influentialwithcantrell is her currentcommunicationsdirector, TerryDavis,who served former Mayorray Nagininhis second term. Davisimplemented apublicrelations strategy that haslargely silenced cantrell,keeping herfromsettings in whichshe couldfaceuncomfortable questions from reportersorthe public —a sharp break from herearly days in politics
Thatapproach,adopted amid a two-year-old federalprobe into various aspectsofcantrell’saffairs,has left her outofthe spotlightinpolitically chargedmoments,including when LouisianaState Police swept throughNew Orleanshomeless encampmentsunder orders from thegovernor.
cantrell’s oldadvisorssay the shrinkingofher circle andher reducedpublicprofile puther in a precariouspositionfor apolitician: oneinwhich she’sunlikelytoreceive advice shemay notwanttohear.
“You can’tjusthavepeople around youtelling you‘Yeah,yeah, yeah,’ ”saidLee,the veteranpollster andher former confidant.“When you’re gettingadvice, it’s about hearing thetruth so youdon’t make amistake youcan’t recoverfrom.”
JamesFinn/The Times-Picayune
City CouncilsaysTulane will getnomoney forCharity projectunlessitgives up Wisner money
THENEW ORLEANSCITYCOUNCIL PLAYED HARDBALLWITHTULANE UNIVERSITY last monthwhenit warned it wouldwithholdcityfunds from theuniversity’sambitious projecttoredevelop charityHospital if it didn’t relinquish itsstake in the Wisner Trustfund.
Thecouncil is in abitterlegal disputewithMayor LaToya cantrell, Tulane,Louisiana StateUniversity andheirs of thelatephilanthropist edward Wisner over roughly $9 millioninannualproceedsfrom 38,000 acresofoil-richlandaround Port Fourchon that Wisner willed to thecitymorethanacentury ago.
In itslatestmovetoregaincontrol of thefund, thecouncil passed an ordinanceThursdaythatforbids the allocation of city moneytodefendantsinthe lawsuit. Theordinance
Thecouncil maintainsthe Wisner land andits proceeds belong exclusivelytothe city,since the4th circuitcourt of Appeal ruledin2014 that atrust arrangement splittingup theearningshad ended. Themayor, universities andthe heirsprivately agreed in 2020 to extend thetrust indefinitely,prompting thecouncil’s lawsuittwo yearslater
Tulane spokesperson Michael Strecker said theuniversityis “disappointedwiththe council’s decision whichcomplicates our mutual objectiveofredeveloping charity.” He said theuniversityhad
notyet askedfor aspecificcommitment,but theproject will hingeon city funding.
“Weare certainthatthisproject can’tgoforward withoutanexplicit fundingcommitmentfromthe city to apublic-privatepartnership,”
Strecker said Tulane is theanchortenantofthe $600 millioncharityproject and is negotiatingwiththe developer, Domain cos.,for apossibleequity stake. Theterms of that agreement aren’t yetclear,but Strecker said Tulane’s portionofthe projectis estimatedat$425million.The city’s contribution couldcomefroman existing economic development district,aswellasthe city’s capital fund,either of whichwould require thecouncil’s approval
“Suchameasure sets adangerous precedent, underminingdue process andfairjudicialoutcomes,”the administration said even if theproposedlaw never makesitoff themayor’s desk, thevoteexpressed thecouncil’s position that the2020trust extension is unacceptable,even if it sinksthe long-awaited and charityredevelopment
“Thisisfrankly offensive. You cannot clingtoafunding stream that belongstotaxpayers whileaskingfor
taxpayer dollars,” councilmember JP Morrellsaidbeforethe vote Morrellwasn’tspeakingtoa specific fundingrequest,but was “removingthe option forany moneywhile theongoing Wisner litigation is pending,”accordingtohis spokesperson Monet Brignac-Sullivan.
Morrelland othercouncil membersgenerally supportcity involvementinthe project, andthe 2025 city budget,which passed on Thursday,includes$12 millionfor an affordable housingcomponent of theproject.Thatmoney wouldlikely go to thedeveloper Wisner donatedthe land to New Orleansuponhis deathin1915. Whilethe city wasthe sole beneficiary, a100-yeartrust splitincome from thelandbetween thecity, Tulane andcharityHospital, which waslater acquired by LSU. Wisner’s descendantswerecut in througha settlement afterWisner’s death, leavingthe city with about onethird of theincome.
In 2014,the 4thcircuit court of Appeal ruledthatthe trusthad terminated,along with theincome sharing agreement. Butformer MayorMitch Landrieu didnothing to change thestatusquo.Six years later, cantrell struck an agreement with theuniversitiesand Wisner heirstoextendthe previous agreementindefinitelyand to allow theparties to meet in private. The council, whichwas left in thedark, have claimeditwas an improper backroom deal ever since.
Thecouncil fileda lawsuitin2022, arguingthatthe 4thcircuit decision adecadeago entitles thecityall of thetrust’s annual proceeds,which is roughly$9million.The parties have argued bitterly formore than twoyears,including over the council’sright to independentlysue themayor.The LouisianaSupreme courtfound in thecouncil’s favoron that question earlierthisyear
Thefundhas been largelyfrozen during thelawsuit.But that may be nearinganend as theplaintiffs anddefendantshavebothsought summaryjudgment.
Therecentspecial sessionended in atax bloodbath —and some surprises
THEOLD SAWTHATNOONE IS SAFE IN LIFE,liberty or property as long as the LouisianaLegislatureisinsession was nevertruer than in Gov. Jeff Landry’s hastilycalled— andevenmorefranticallyconcluded —special sessionon taxreform.
In thefinal hours, lawmakershad little-to-no clearideawhatthey votedfor,other than gettingout of Batonrouge in time to keep their pre-Thanksgivingtravelplans.It’ll be interestingtosee what happensonce voters realizewhat’sabout to change.
Here’s ahint: “change” does not necessarily equal“reform.” In fact,far from passingalong-term,stable, revenue-neutral plan,lawmakers created at leasttwo new“fiscal cliffs.”
Allofwhich provides theperfect fodder forour four-decades-old traditionofsurveying thebloodybattlefield andcountingthe victorsand the vanquished,aka “DaWinnasand Da Loozas.” We beginwith…
DA WINNAS
1. Gov. Jeff Landry —The governor didn’t geteverythinghewanted, but he gotwhathewantedmost: aflat3% individual income tax. That washis Holy Grail, butitcameatacostthat wasArthurian in scale. TheHouse balked at Landry’s proposed repeal
2. Senate PresidentCameron Henry TheMetairierepublicanhas emerged as theJohnAlarioofhis generation,the quintessential dealmakerand theglue that holdsthe upperchamber together Henrymorethananyonerescued Landry’s taxpackage when it appeared to be on theverge of imploding, furtherincreasinghis alreadyrising politicalstock
3. LocalGovernments —Parish leaders, mayors andsheriffs worked lockstep to preserve everything they like aboutthe currenttax structure.Parishes kept theirright to tax business inventories, manufacturing machineryand equipment, and prescriptiondrugs.Sheriffspreserved theirroles as taxcollectorsand gained anew source of revenuewhen lawmakers approved ameasure to house juvenilesinadult jails.
4. Rich Folk —The new3%flat income taxwillbea boon to Louisiana’srulingclass.Let us pray they spenditlocally.The stateneeds thehigher salestax we’reall gonna soonpay.
5. Filmmakers andDevelopers Lawmakerspreserved (but lowered annual caps on)tax creditsfor films shot in Louisianaand forhistoric restoration. Thelatterplays abig role in redeveloping iconic oldbuildings in everycorner of thestate.
of 41 salestax exemptions,throwinghis packagewildlyout of balance. He was forced to accept abig hike in thestate salestax —which he initiallyplanned to keep at the.45%ratethatexpiresnext summer —aswellasasurprisingspike in theeffective taxrateonmajor corporations. (Moreonthatbelow.) Landry is quitegoodatthe transactionalpartof governance,but it’s nowclear that he doesn’thavethe politicalcapital (orthe will) to do real taxreform.
6. Teachers —contrarytowhat Landry andotherssay,teachers won’tget araise if voters approvethe governor’s proposed constitutional rewriteinMarch.Instead,the onetime $2,000 “bonus”theygot in the last twoyears will become permanent. That’s notreallya raise, butat leasttheywon’t have to trek to Baton rougeevery year to getthatextra money. Whichbringsusto…
DA LOOZAS
1. Poor People —Landry’soriginal plan aspiredtoinsulatelow-and moderate-incomeLouisianans from thepotentially adverseimpacts of the governor’s flat 3% individualincome tax. That went away when lawmakers hikedthe statesales taxto5%, which will hit poor folksthe hardest.
2. TheHouse —The lowerchamber, as is oftenthe case,has adisproportionatenumberofrookies whohavea steeplearningcurve when it comesto policymaking.Thatwas neverclearer than in thespecial session, when some Housemembers openly acknowledgedtheywerepassing measures they knew were flawed butwere counting on theSenateto“fixit.” Ultimately,theywereforcedtoaccept whatever theSenatedecided with no deliberation andnodebate.
3. TheDemocraticCaucus —Landry steamrolledthe Dems by convincing up to half of them to supportone or more partsofhis taxpackage,effectively reducing thecaucustoin-fighting, disarray andvirtual irrelevance.
4. BigBusiness —Yes,lawmakers loweredthe corporateincometax rate from 7.5% to 5.5%,but they also repealed ahostofcredits,exemptions, exclusions andrebates that
Thehikeinsales taxwillhit the poor thehardest in Louisiana.
have givenlarge “c-corps”aneffective income taxrateof3%. Nowthose companieswillpay an actual 5.5% income tax, whichisquite ahit
5. Juvenile Offenders —It’snot tax reform,but lawmakersare determinedtolet district attorneysprosecuteyouthfuloffenders as adults more often—which actually will cost thestate more in thelongrun
Speaking of costing thestate more —The cost of repealingLouisiana’s criminal justicereforms alreadycosts at least$200million ayearmore, and theadministrationadmitsitwillgrow to an annual cost of $450 million. Others saylocking up more people forlongerprisonstretches will cost at least$600million more ayear. That’llcreateanother fiscal cliff, particularly when the5%sales tax dropsto4.75% in 2030
Butanother cliffisevencloser.
Lawmakersun-dedicated,for thenexttwo years, $280 million in vehiclesales taxesthatcurrently fund infrastructure andhighways viathe Transportation TrustFund. That moneywillinstead go to the general fund to help offset thecostof Landry’s prized 3% flat income tax. In twoyears,thatmoney goes back to thetransportationfund, leavinga big hole in thestate budget
AndifvotersapproveLandry’s proposed constitutional amendment in March, future statebudgets will be capped —putting more pressure than ever to cutcriticalservices. In theend,the specialsession didsomegoodthings, butLandry’s fly-by-night approach proved the oldproverb,“Hastemakes waste.” We’retoldlawmakers will addressany concerns in thespringfiscalsession We’llsee
Senate President CameronHenry
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry
TheLouisiana House of Representatives
@GambitBlake |askblake@gambitweekly.com
Hey Blake, Abuildinginthe 1000 block of CanalStreetnear Rampart hasthe words“Tulane Shop” etched abovethe door. What’s thestory?Isthere a connection to theuniversity?
Dear reader,
IN 1895,JOSEPHBURNSTEIN OPENED HIS FIRSTCLOTHINGSTORE in NewOrleans, called theGrand Leader store, on DryadesStreet(laterrenamed Oretha castle HaleyBoulevard). He opened a second business,the Tulane Shop,at 1012-14canal Street in 1912.There appearstobenoconnectiontoTulane, otherthanthatBurnstein andmembers of hisfamilyattendedthe university
In 1922,Burnstein remodeledthe four-story building on canalwiththe name younoticed addedabove the doorway. Thestructure wasdesigned by thearchitectural firm of emileWeil, noteddesignerofthe nearby Saenger Theatre, TouroSynagogue,Pelican Stadium andmanyother buildings. Burnstein’snewspaper advertisementscalledhis business “the new storewiththe newideas.” TheNew OrleansItemwrote in 1922,“The Tulane Shop hasbeenfor many years aprogressive women’sready-to-wear store,”addingthatBurnstein would “thoroughlyremodel theentirefour floors of hisbuilding, together with an elaborateextension to therearsection, taking in what is nowanopenyard.”
BL AK E VI EW
Theexpansion also addedseveral departments, includinga hatmaking department,shoedepartmentand men’sand junior departments.
TheTulaneShoponcanal Street closed in 1931.The building washome to anumberofother businesses in thedecades that followed.Manywill remember it as home to canalrecord center andOdyssey records, the latter of whichoperatedtherefrom 1988 to 2013
In 2016,a six-alarmfireinthe buildingnextdoordamaged theproperty. It waseventuallyrenovated,withretail spaceonthe ground floorand shortterm rental unitsabove.In2022, the architecturaland construction teams involved in therenovationreceivedthe LouisianaLandmarksSociety Award forexcellenceinHistoricPreservation fortheir work.
NEXT WEEKEND, AS IT DOES SO OFTEN —and better than most anywhereelse— NewOrleanswillcelebrate with aparade: thethird annual children’s Hospital holidayparade.
Though therewerelikelyearlier pageants,the firstpublished mentionofaNew Orleanschristmas parade we couldfindwas in 1922.
In 1940,a children’s christmasparadewas broadcastonWWL radio. TheDec 15,1941paradeoncanal Street came oneweekafter thecountry enteredWorld WarII. Thewar preemptedthe parade forfouryears,but it returned in 1945 and continuedintothe 1970s.
A1988paradefeaturing 10 floats andninebands wasthe brainchild of New Orleansthen-FirstLadyMickeyBarthelemy. Herhusband,Mayor Sidney Barthelemy,dressed as Santaclaus in theparade, whichalsofeaturedthe Neville Brothers andcharmaine Nevilleperformingchristmas songs.
Paradesinthe 1990sfeaturedTVweathermanWillard Scott, actorJohn Goodman, musicmogul Quincy Jonesand chef Paul Prudhommedressed as Santa. TheDowntownDevelopment District revivedthe paradesafter HurricaneKatrina, branding them KreweofJingleparades.
This year’s parade on Dec. 7willfeature 30 holiday-themed floats,high-flyinghelium balloons,dancing groups andbands marching on aroute throughthe French Quarterand downtown beginningat11a.m
Tulane Shop building at 1012 CanalSt.
PH OT OBYB LA KE PO NTCH AR TR AI N /G AM
EVENTS TS Holiday
GUIDE 2024
WHILETHE COOL WEATHERMAY HAVE TAKENITS SWEETTIME to gethere, it’s finallybeginning to feel alot like Christmas —which is agoodthing,since theholiday season is in full swing. Andthisyearwe couldall definitely usealittlebit of good cheerand joy.
NewOrleans hasplentyofholiday traditions. Once againCelebration in theOaks returnstoCityPark, whichkicks offNov.29 andrunsthrough Jan. 3. This year features more than amillion lights in adriving and walkingtourthrough thepark. JacksonSquarecarolingisalsoa beloved traditionfor many.Hostedbythe Patio Planters,the free mass sing-along will happen Dec. 22 starting at 7p.m Meanwhileoveratthe convention center, NOLAChristmasfest will runfromDec.20 to Dec. 30,and features an ice-skatingrink, agingerbread villageand appearancesfrom SantaClaus.
Over in Bywater, theKrewe of Krampus’ annual holidayparaderolls starting Dec. 7 at 7p.m.featuring some of thecity’smost creative costumers, DIYfloat builders and giant puppet makers.
There’salsotonsofmusic andtheater happeningthisseason. TheNew Orleans Ballet Theatre’sannualproduction of the Nutcracker runs Dec. 13 throughDec.23at theOrpheum,and theAmazing Acro Cats arebackatAllways fortheir annual Meowy Catmas SpecialDec.5through Dec. 22. BigFreedia will hold her Christmasshow this year at Tipitina’s Dec. 21,while Harry Shearerand Judith Owen hold theirannual ChristmasWithout Tearsshowatthe OrpheumDec.17.
Andall that doesn’tevenbegin to scratch thesurface of everything happeningin town this holidayseason. To help yousort it allout,check outour roundupof holiday events below, andbesuretocheck back onlinefor updates
FESTIVALS
CelebrationInthe Oaks
City Park’s treesand attractionsare decoratedwithmorethana million lights andholiday scenes and otherspectaclesfor walkingand drivingviewers
NewOrleans City Park
Tuesday, Nov. 29 —Friday, Jan. 3 Ticketsstart at $7 celebrationintheoaks.com
Krampus Parade
TheKrewe of Krampusunleashes thefrightening Krampus, theY’ules andother holidayspirits in aBywater neighborhood parade with throws andmore.
Thereare lightand artdisplays, live music, food vendorsand more at the LafitteGreenwayatHagan Avenue LafitteGreenway 5-9p.m.Thursday, Dec. 12 Saturday,Dec.14
Free admission lafittegreenway.org
Krampus: TheFrightBeforeChristmas
NewOrleans NightmareHaunted Housereopens foraterror-filled trip into thelairofKrampus,who emergesbeforethe holidays to punish thenaughty.
319Butterworth St. Friday,Dec.13& Saturday,Dec.14
Tickets$30
neworleansnightmare.com/krampus
NOLA ChristmasFest
Theholiday festival features rides, ice
PH OT OBYD OU GM AC CA SH /T HE TI ME S- PI CAYU NE
skating, mini golf,games,food, amarket andmore.
NewOrleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center,900 Convention Center Blvd. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday,Dec.20—Monday, Dec. 30
NYE at TheCannery TheCannery,3803ToulouseSt. 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31
Tickets$150
Holi day Parade
Presented by
In partnershipwith
Saturday,December 7 l 11 am l nolaholidayparade.com
Youwon’t want to missthe 3rdannual Children’s Hospital NewOrleans Holiday Parade,presented by Lt.Governor Billy Nungesser and theLouisiana Ofce of Tourism, which benefitsthe vital mission of Children’s Hospital. The parade rolls on Saturday, December 7at11amwithalonger routebeginningatthe corner of Esplanade Avenue and North Peters Street andendingonTchoupitoulas and St.JosephStreet.
Coverage of theparade will be featuredonlocal and national television, highlighting it’s 30 holiday-themed floats,new signaturethrows, high flying helium balloons, and more than adozendancinggroupsand marching bands to kick of the holidayseason in NewOrleans.The parade is madepossible through partnership with Kern Studios, WDSU,New Orleans &Company,Audacy NewOrleans and manyothers.
Learn moreatnolaholidayparade.com
GI FTI NGLocal
This holidayseason,spend your moneywhere your home is .
CUSTOM GIFT BASKETS
Made to Order– Prices Vary from Chuck’sonThe Avenue (2025 &7133 St.Charles Avenue, 504-381-5608; chucksontheavenue.com).
PHO
HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS HEADBANDS IN 3OPTIONS
$22.99 from NOLA BOO (517 Metairie Road #200, 504-510-4655; nolaboo.com).
PHO TO PRO VIDE NOLA BOO
LEOPARDICE
BUCKET SET
$55 from Southern Charm (West Metairie, PlazaShopping Center,5928 W. Metairie Avenue #11, 504-655-0178).
PHO TO
$48 from TheShop at TheCollection (520 RoyalStreet, 504-598-7147; shophnoc.com).
PHO
CLAWS // BRONZE &GOLD // HOOPS BY KYRA HODES
$55 from Ogden Museum Shop (925 Camp Street,504-525-4855; ogdenmuseum.org/shop).
PHO TO
DIAMOND STARBURST RING IN 18KT YELLOW GOLD
$3,750 from Wellington &Co. Fine Jewelry (505 RoyalStreet, 504-525-4855; store.wcjewelry.com).
TOPAZ, LAPIS ANDDIAMOND RINGIN18KT YELLOW GOLD
$3,750 from Wellington &Co. Fine Jewelry (505 Royal Street,504-525-4855; store.wcjewelry.com). PHO
DUBLIN 5PIECE MIXING PITCHER SET
$59.99 from Southern Charm (West Metairie, PlazaShopping Center,5928 W. Metairie Avenue #11, 504-655-0178).
EA T+D RI NK
Portuguese roots
WHEN EMERIL LAGASSETHINKSABOUT
PORTUGUESEFOODMEMORIES from his childhoodinFallriver,Massachusetts, he thinks aboutthe catholic church
“The church wouldcelebrate festivalswithfeasting,”Lagasse says “I wasthe drummerina45-piece Portuguese band.We’dplaymusic, andwe’deat.Mymom wouldalways make adishmadewithlittlefava beans, andthere wasalot of marinated meatsonskewers.We’d take themeatoff theskewers and eatitstuffed into smallloavesof Portuguesebread.”
He also rememberssteaming bowlsofcaldo verde, theiconicsoup made with potatoes andgreens. Therealsoweredishesfeaturing bacalhau,the salted driedcod that is astaple.
Lagassepayshomagetothose earlyfoodmemoriesathis newestrestaurant, 34 restaurant & Bar, whichopenedOct.23inthe WarehouseDistrict. Therestaurant is atribute to hisheritage— hismother wasfromthe Azores,his father from Quebec.
Lagasse, 65,has hadastoried career sincebecomingthe executive chef at commander’sPalacein 1982.He’sopenedhis ownnamesake restaurantshereand across thecountry,but he always wanted onereflectinghis mother’s roots. Thename34isa referencetothe partnershipbetween himself, emeril LagasseIII,and hisson,e.J.Lagasse IV.Portuguese-American chef chris dosreisisthe chef de cuisine.
WhilemanyNew Orleanians arewell versed in thecuisinesthatcontributed to thecreoletable,Portugueseisn’t oneofthem
“Thereisdefinitelyaneducation processinvolvedinexplainingwhat’s on themenu,”Lagasse says.A fewof the34hallmarksare jamonIberico anddishesthatinclude salt codand canned seafoodsourced from asupplierfromLagasse’s hometown Therestaurantisdrop-dead gorgeous.The chef’s wife,Alden Lagasse, worked with Houston-based
Laurie PearsonofL.PearsonDesign in Houstonand localarchitectsAQ Studios, to transformthe former A.D. WynneFurniture showroom into a modern andelegant space.
“Wehad craf tsmenfromPor tugal helpingus,”emerilLagasse says “Our chef is Portuguese.Our team traveled around to experience the cuisine. Theother night, Ihad aguest from Portugal whotoldmeshe felt rightathome.”
Thespace is noticeable forits exterior neon sign,and dinerswalkinto astrikingnautilus-shaped entrance that includes apaintingofthe redcrestedGalodeBarcelos, therooster that portends good luck in Portugal Theexpansive 245-seat dining room features curvaceous,deep-set booths andisawash in greenear th tones, dark woodsand traditional Azulejos tiles.
There’sadesignatedjamón bar, whichisanideal spot to spyonthe chef slicingmeatand composing plates made with theacorn-fed,cured pork.The smellofwood-fire ovens waftsfromthe open kitchen.
The menu is full of dishes meanttobe shared.Start with thebreads andbutter, whichshowcase 34’s formidable baking program, areminderof Lagasse’sdays workingina Portuguese bakery.Get the cone,withthin slices of Iberico hamand triangles of tangySão Jorgecheese. There’sa sardinetoast silky with lardo, an outstandingfishcroquette,and the signaturebacalhauabras, aringof tender choppedsaltcod with bits of potato,olivesand caviar.Mouro blood sausageismadeinhouse,blanched andcured foratleast 24 hours.
There’samenuofsharablerice dishes that aredeeplyflavored paella-likeentrees studdedwith duck, rabbit,Gulfshrimporlobster. Anotherspecialty is piri piri chicken, a spicydishwithroots in both Africa and Portugal.entrees runfrom$36 to $75 andare shareable
Thebeverageprogram spotlights beer andwines from Portugal.Agood waytodip into 34 is itshappy hours, whichare dailyfrom4:30-5:30 p.m. andafter 11 p.m. on weekends.The menu includes discounted snacks alongwith$4beers and$8sangria For$17,get abeerand abifana, a hearty,sandwichofthinly sliced marinatedpork.
Atile-clad DJ boothpromisesbeats from both localand touringDJs “It’sgoing really well,” Lagasse says.“Daybyday,we’re star ting to grow.”
In theBanks
ACORNERDIVETHAT’SBEEN AMID-CITY FIXTUREFOR GENERATIONS is coming back with newownerswho have found successwithagrowing circuitofneighborhoodbars.
BanksStreetBar (4401Banks St.) is settoreopeninearlyDecember followinga roundofrenovations now underway by thenew ownershipgroup. That includes DavidDemarest, partner in BayouBeerGardenand Bayou Wine Garden,and threemanagers from hiscompany whoare stepping up as partners in thenew BanksStreet Bar—Brian Williams,JillianArena and Nicole Goodluck.
They’realsojoinedinthe projectby caufmanTalley, whoisapartner in Mid-city Pizza, therestaurantacross BanksStreetwithahistory connected to thebar
BanksStreetBar hasbeenaround since1959, throughmanydifferent incarnations.The last oneclosedwithoutfanfare in thespringafter arocky runthrough thepandemic.
BanksStreetBar is coming back with newowners(from left) DavidDemarest, JillianArena,Brian Williams andNicoleGoodluck.
“Wewanttobring it back to what it once was, aneighborhoodspotwhere everyone knowseveryoneelse, kind of divey, with some nicertouches,but not toonice,”Demarestsays.
BanksStreetBar wasananytime bar that long doubledasaneighborhood spot forlivemusic.That’scomingback, andthe partnersare aiming to keep the feel of theold place, whilebringingup thecondition of thepropertyand what thebar offers.
Thefloor hasbeenleveled,the bathroomsare beingrebuilt,and there will be anew soundsystem, including
Emeril Lagasseopens newWarehouse District restaurant by Beth D’Addono |
soundproofing, forthe live music. At thebar,there will be many draft beers, frozen drinks andacocktail programthatwillskewcloserto mixed drinks than mixology
“Wewantedtohaveall thecharacterthatthe neighborhood loves, but improvewhatwesaw waslacking,” Goodluck says.“We thinkitcan be better,safer,betterrun.”
From BayouBeerand Wine Garden (326 N. Norman c. Francis Parkway),Demarestand hispar tnershaveexpandedbytaking on establishedbars.
Thefirst wasThe Holy Ground IrishPub (3340 canal St.) in 2018.Lastyear, they addedOak &Ale (8118Oak St.), whichhad been two connectedspots forwineand beer that formerly operated underseparate names.
Thenew management team forBanks Street Bar followsamodel of bringing up people from within.each of Demarest’s operatingpartners at BanksStreetBar startedinentry levelpositions at hisother bars
Assistantgeneral managerKurtis Johnsonsaid that thelastday of service wasNov.24for therestaurant in theMagazinecommons at 2917 MagazineSt.
Johnsonsaidthe parkingsituation on Magazine Street waspartofwhy thelocationneededtoclose
“You need agreat staf f, great food,agreat menu andgreat visibility,” Johnsonsaid. “Wesuf fered from seriousvisibilityand theparkingsituation.”
Breakfastrestaurant
AnotherBrokenEgg Cafe on Magazine Street hasclosed.
“It’sgoodtohavemanagerscome up andhaveequityintheir ownprojects,” he says.“It helpsusgrowand runall thebarsbetter.”
Thesmall restaurant space attached to BanksStreetBar is now Bub’sBurgers,and it hasbeenhome to many concepts throughthe years, includingclesi’s Seafoodand Trilly cheesesteaks.
It wasalsothe firstlocation of Mid-city Pizza, foundedby rand Owens, aLafayette native with aknack forbuildingconnectionsbetween people,and making NewYork-stylepies. Owensmoved to thelargerrestaurantspace just across thestreetand laterbought BanksStreetBar.Owens died in 2020 at age33, andhis family kept thebusinessesgoing during thepandemic.
TheBanks Street location of Mid-city Pizzaclosedfor aspan butalsoreturnedthisyearafter Anthonycortelloand Talley bought thebusiness.
BanksStreetBar will open from lunchthrough late-nighthours,likely 1a.m.or2a.m —Ian McNulty/ TheTimes-Picayune
Anotherclosure
ANOTHERBROKENEGG CAFE,A
BREAKFASTAND BRUNCH CHAIN popular across theGulfcoast,has closed itsUptownNew Orleanslocation after10years in business.
Johnsonsaidthe location at 607HarrisonAve.inLakeviewwill remain open
Another Broken eg gisone of a fewbusinessestoclose this year in Magazinecommons
MichaelPou,the owner agentfor Magazinecommons,saysthatThe cupcakecollection, LemonShark Poke andAnother Broken eg gcafe were themostrecentclosures. However, businesses arestill coming in to replaceprevioustenants
GetStuffed by Sno-La opened in August,replacing Thecupcake collection.Pou also confirmedthat aplanisinthe workstoopenanew sushi-stylerestaurantinthe spot left by LemonShark Poke.
Pousaysthatrestaurantgroups have alreadyexpressed an interest in fillingthe spaceleftvacantby Another Broken eg gcafe.
Pousaysthe cost of doingbusiness hasrisen to an untenablelevel for some mid- andsmall-sized companies.Henoted that costshave dramatically increasedoverthe last fewyears,including real estate taxes andinsurance premiums.Pou added that some businesses hadseensteep salesdeclinescomparedtoprecOVIDsales.
He addedthatoverall thereisa feelingthatcommercialactivityis improvingsome. —Chelsea Shannon /The Times-Picayune
WI NE OF THE WEEK
Pighin
PinotGrigio
Strawyellowincolor with lightamber tints. Thearoma is fruity and floral with notes of banana, pineapple, and wisteria blossoms. This wine is dry with great body and balance
DISTRIBUTE DB Y
Out to eatisanindexofGambitcontract advertisers. Unless noted, addresses arefor New Orleans andall accept credit cards.Updates: email willc@gambitweekly.com or call (504)483-3106
Desire Oyster Bar— RoyalSonesta New Orleans, 300Bourbon St., (504)5860300;sonesta.com/desireoysterbar A menu full of Gulf seafoodincludeschargrilledoysters topped with Parmesan and herbs. The menu also includes po-boys, po-boys, gumbo, blackenedfish, fried seafoodplatters andmore. reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily. $$
Dickie Brennan’sSteakhouse 716Iberville St., (504)522-2467; dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com— Themenuincludesavariety of steaks,plussearedGulffish, lobsterpasta, barbecue shrimp andmore. A6-ounce filetmignonisservedwithfried oysters, creamed spinach, potatoes andbearnaise reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat $$$ 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
Nice Guys NOLA (7910 EarhartBlvd.,504-302-2404; niceguysnola.com)serves loaded Earhartattackfries.
with rice andstringbeans.Outdoor seating available. No reservations.Lunch andearly dinner Tue.-Sat $$
Juan’s Flying Burrito 515Baronne St., (504)529-5825; 2018 Magazine St., (504) 569-0000;4724S.CarrolltonAve., (504)486 -9950; 8140 OakSt.,(504) 897-4800;juansflyingburrito.com The FlyingBurrito includes steak,shrimp, chicken, cheddarjackcheese, blackbeans, rice,guacamole andsalsa.The menu also includes tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, nachos,saladsand more.Outdoor seatingavailable. No reservations.Lunch anddinner Thu.-Tue $$ Katie’sRestaurant— 3701 IbervilleSt., (504)488-6582; katiesinmidcity.com— Thecajun cubanwithroasted pork,ham, cheese andpickles.The eclectic menu also includeschar-grilledoysters,sandwiches, burgers, pizza, friedseafood platters, pasta, salads andmore. Delivery available. reservations accepted forlarge parties. Lunchand dinner daily. $$ Kilroy’s Bar— HigginsHotel,480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941;hig ginshotelnola.com/dining— The barmenu includes sandwiches,saladsand flatbreads,including onetoppedwithpeach, prosciutto,stracciatella cheese,arugula andpecans. No reservations.Lunch Fri.Mon.,dinnerdaily. $$
Legacy Kitchen’sCraft Tavern 700 Tchoupitoulas St., (504)613-2350; legacykitchen.com— The menu includes oysters, flatbreads,burgers,sandwiches, salads andaNOL AStyle GritsBowltoppedwith bacon,cheddar anda poachedegg
Legacy KitchenSteak &Chop— 91 Westbank Expressway,Gretna, (504) 513-2606;legacykitchen.com The menu includes filets mignonsand bone-inribeyes,aswellasburgers,saladsand seafood dishes.reservationsaccepted. Outdoor seatingavailable.Lunch anddinner Mon.-Sat $$
Luzianne Cafe 481Girod St., (504)2651972;luziannecafe.com— Boudin Benedict features twopoached eg gs over boudin and an englishmuffin, served with greentomato chow chow andhollandaise.Noreservations. Delivery available. Breakfastand lunchWed.-Sun. $$
Mikimoto 3301 S. Carrollton Ave.,(504) 488-1881;mikimotosushi.com TheSouth carrollton roll includestunatataki, avocado andsnowcrab. Themenualsohas noodle dishes,teriyakiand more.reservations accepted.Deliveryavailable. LunchSun.Fri.,dinnerdaily $$
Mother’s Restaurant 401Poydras St., (504)523-9656; mothersrestaurant.net— This counter-servicespotservespo-boys dressedwithslicedcabbage andcreole favorites like jambalaya, crawfish etouffee, redbeans andriceand more.Breakfast is availableall day. Delivery available. No reservations.Breakfast,lunch and dinner daily. $$
Neyow’sCreoleCafe— 3332 BienvilleSt., (504)827-5 474; neyows.com The menu includes redbeans andricewith friedchicken or pork chops, as well as shrimp creole,seafood platters,po-boys, char-grilled andraw oysters, salads and more.Sideitems includecarrot souf fle, mac andcheese, cornbreaddressing, sweetpotatototsand more.Noreservations. Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$
Nice Guys Bar& Grill— 7910 EarhartBlvd., (504)302-2404; niceguysbarandgrillnola. com— char-grilled oystersare topped with cheese andgarlicbutter, andother optionsinclude oystersrockefeller and loaded oysters. The creative menu also includesseafood bread, acajun-lobster potato,wings,quesadillas,burgers,salads, sandwiches,seafood pasta, loaded friesand more.Noreservations. Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-Sat $$$
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 $$ Palace Cafe 605Canal St., (504) 523-1661;palacecafe.com— The contemporary creole menu includescrabmeat cheesecake with mushroomsand creole meuniere sauce. Outdoorseating available. reservations recommended. Breakfastand lunchWed.-Fri.,dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun $$$
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 $$
PeacockRoom— KimptonHotel Fontenot, 501Tchoupitoulas St., (504)324-3073; peacockroomnola.com— At brunch,braised shortrib grilladesare served over gritswith mushrooms, apoachedegg andshaved truffle. reservations accepted.Dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sun. $$
Rosie’sonthe Roof HigginsHotel,480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining— Therooftop barhas amenuofsandwiches, burgersand smallplates. crab beignetsare madewith Gulf crabmeat andmascarponeand served with herbaioli.Noreservations. Dinner Mon.-Sat $$
Tableau 616St. PeterSt.,(504) 9343463;tableaufrenchquarter.com— The menu features traditionaland creative creole dishes.Pasta bouillabaissefeatures squid inkmafaldine,littleneckclams,Gulf shrimp,squid,seafood broth, rouilleand herbedbreadcrumbs.Outdoor seating availableonthe balcony. reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Thu.-Sun $$$
The Peruvian menu includes severaltypes of ceviche, as well as steakand seafooddishes. Traditionallomosaltadofeaturessauteed 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. $$$
TheVintage 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144;thevintagenola.com There’sa full coffee drinks menu andbaked goodsand beignets,aswellasafullbar.The menu has flatbreads,cheeseboards, smallplatesand apressed veggie sandwich with avocado, onions,arugula,red pepper andpepper jack cheese.Noreservations. Delivery and outdoorseating available. Breakfast, lunch anddinner daily. $$
Nickel Creek
Mandolin player ChrisThile hasa familiar voice to many radiolistenersfromhis days hosting“Live From Here,” thesuccessor to GarrisonKeillor’s “A Prairie Home companion,”onwhich he hadbeena guestfor years. He’s also part of the trio in Nickel creek, whichhas been producingbluegrass andfolkmusic for more than threedecades.Their 2023 album“celebrants” drew aGrammy nomination.The band performs at 8p.m.Tuesday,Dec.3,atOrpheum Theater. Tickets$41.50and up viaticketmaster.com.
‘NutcrackerErotique’
Therisquetakeonthe holiday show worksinshowgirls,burlesque, circus ar ts,absinthereferencesand more.Per formersinclude Vivacious Miss Audacious, TheGreat Dane, SynaminVixen,MissAngie Z, Ariana Amour, eddieLockwood, GiaVaughna,Phoenix Love,Millie Macabre, Miss Galaxy andPhoenix Phantasma. At 9p.m.Friday, Dec. 6, at JoyTheater.Tickets $28-$43 viaaudaciousnola.com
DoverQuartet
Thestringquartet presents aprogram of pieces by Tchaikovsky, Dvorak and MasonBates.Presented by Friendsof Musicat7:30p.m.Tuesday,Dec.3, at Tulane University’s Dixon Hall Tickets$10-$35 andfreefor students with ID.Findtickets andinformation at friendsofmusic.org
Compersion Quartet
Therestlesssaxophonist Skerik hasbeenpushing sonicboundaries,especiallyinhis hometown of Seattle, sincethe early’90s. In recent years, he’s been callingNew Orleans asecondhomeand has, of course, been collaboratingwiththe musicians here, includingwithpianist BrianHaas, bassistJames Singletonand drummer SimonLott. Thefourforward-lookingmusicians have anew project, compersion Quartet, andwillrelease theirself-titled debutalbum on Dec. 6via royalPotatorecords.The group celebrates thenew albumwithtwo showsthisweekend:at8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at cafe Istanbul,and 8p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7atMaple Leaf
LooseCattle
NewOrleans AmericanabandLoose Cattle released itsexceptional new album, “Someone’s Monster,”at the beginningofNovember. Butwith
vocalist-guitarist Michaelcerverisbusy on Broadway in themusical “Tammy Faye,” thebandhasn’thad much chance to celebratetheir latestrecord in NewOrleans (theydid play arelease show in NewYork, though). Loose cattle finallygetsachancetopresent “Someone’s Monster” in theirhometown at 7:30 p.m. Monday,Dec.2, with friendscr Gruver,AlexMcMurray, DebbieDavis,Arsène DeLay,Johanna Divine andLilli Lewis. Ticketsare $35 advance, $40day of vialoosecattle bpt.me.The show is in aspeakeasy settingand addressisprovidedwith ticket purchase.
Cathedral
ChristmasConcerts
Vocalist John Boutte kicksoff the holidayconcert series at St.Louis cathedralat6p.m.Wednesday,Dec 4. Theserieswillfeature avariety of genres alongwithamix of traditional andcontemporaryholiday songs. BeauSoleil avec MichaelDoucet presents “christmas Bayou” on Dec. 11;Yusaand Mahmoudchoukiwillcollaborate on Dec. 18;and theSt. Louis cathedralchoir will performDec.22. Allconcertsare free.Findmoreinfo at fqfi.org /holidays.
HappylandFest
Thefestivalbenefittingthe HappylandTheaterfeatures Helen Gillet,MikeDillon,New Orleans KlezmerAll-Stars,Quintron’sWeather Warlock, Mudlark Puppeteers and more.After damage from weather, the century-oldtheater wasthreatened by city code violations earlier this year, andithas been making repairs. The eventisfromnoonto7p.m.Saturday, Dec. 7. Visit@happlylandtheateron Instagram fordetails
LPO’sClassical Christmas
TheLouisiana Philharmonic Orchestradives into traditional excerpts of Handel’s “Messiah”— includingthe famed“Hallelujah” chorus –duringthisclassical christmas concertonThursday, Dec. 5. The programalsoincludesGiancarlo Menotti’smusic to an operatelling thestory of theThree Kingsand Felix Mendelssohn’schristmas cantata. JamenDunn-Danger conducts,and theLPO will be joined by theLoyola choraleand guestvocalists.At7:30 p.m. at theOrpheum Theater. Tickets startat$35 vialpomusic.com.
FO rc OMPLeTe MUSI cL IS TIN GS AN DM Or ee VeNT 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
MONDAY2
BJ’S LOUNGE — redBeans and Blues with Washboardchaz and Jonathan Freilich, 9pm
CAPULET— cigar Box Serenaders, 6:30 pm
DA JUMP OFF LOUNGE — Big6Brass Band, 9pm
HOWLIN’WOLF— SongsFor The People ft.Sariyah Idan, XavierMolina, Victoria Duton &Gian Fransisco Smith, 6:30 pm
OKAY BAR— DjangoJazzJam, 7:30pm POLO CLUB AT THE WINDSORCOURT
David Boeddinghaus, 5:30 pm
TUESDAY3
BARMÉTIER — Or Shovaly Plus, 7pm
BJ’S LOUNGE — Bruisey’sBottoms Up open mic, 9pm
CAPULET— Amber rachelle, 6:30 pm
THE ORPHEUM THEATRE — Nickel creek, 8pm
POLO CLUB AT THE WINDSORCOURT
— John royen, 5:30 pm
THE RABBIT HOLE rebirthBrass Band, 10 pm
TIPITINA’S ALT92.3Presents “The Holiday Ho! Ho!” ft.ekoh, ryan Oakes and Lvvrs, 8pm
WEDNESDAY4
BEANLANDIA AndréBohrenSolo Piano,6pm
CAFÉ DEGAS — Double Whisky,6pm
CAPULET — Brian Quezergue, 6:30 pm
CHICKIE WAHWAH ABluesevening w/ chris Duarte Band&Johnny Sansone Solo,8pm
NEWORLEANSJAZZNATIONAL
HISTORICAL PARK Steve Masakowski&Saskia Walker,2pm
PRYTANIA THEATRES AT CANAL PLACE— Phil Melancon, 7pm
SAINT LOUISCATHEDRAL — Holidays NewOrleans Style ft John Boutté,6pm
Brunch&Jam ft.Sami Abu Shumays, Brian Prunka&Zafer Tawil, 11 am
TRATTORIA BARNETT Or Shovaly Plus, 10:30 am
TREME HIDEAWAY — Big6Brass Band, 10pm
THE TOULOUSE THEATRE — Luedji Luna, c’estFunk and Geovane Santos, 6:30 pm
HOLIDAY SPIRIT
Bo ok Your Holid ay Event sN ow!
No ve mber 29 -D ec ember 23 HOL
Even Flow
by JakeClapp
IT’S ALMOST AS IF THEBOTTOMS HAVE BEEN MAKING UP forlosttimesince playingtheir firstshowinJanuary.
TheNew Orleansalternative rock band caught an earlybreak on itsvery next show when it openedfor Living colour at theHouse of Blues. Along with afew more gigs at places like the former Hi-HoLounge, TheBottoms in thelastfew months have also rolled outfourengagingsingles that lean into theband’s’90salternative and indierockinfluences.
It’s atestament to thefactthat when theright people come together, things usuallyflowprettyeasily.
“The idea of flow —whenyou love somethingand time just [melts]. You canstart doingsomething at 9p.m.and then next thing, it’s 2a.m.,”saysdrummerericNelson. “It’sthatideology. It’s twothings: It hastobefun,and it has to be challengingorrewarding.That’s what’s cool about[TheBottoms]. It’s notjusthalf-assingit. Ithink we’re constantly in flow.”
TheBottoms next play with The NaturalLight All-Starsat8p.m Saturday, Dec. 7, at theBroadside.The band will be joined by guestvocalistKelcy MaeWilburn of ever More Nest andZac Hobbs, theguitarist for Pensacolapower-pop band Deadly FistsofKungFun.
In NewOrleans musicfashion,The Bottomscametogether through mutual friendsand craigslist ads. Afew yearsago,Nelson, whogrewupinthe Midwestand movedtoNew Orleansin 2016,was lookingthrough craigslist for other people whowantedtoplaymusic.
“There’sanadfromapersonwho says,‘IloveSoundgarden andPrince,’” Nelson says.The ad ledhim to bassist charles Depret,who hadrelocated from France to NewOrleans in 2011, andthe twobegan writingtogether
Then,amutualfriendput lead vocalistand guitaristJason rheinintheir path.For alot of the2000sand early 2010s, rheinhad played bass in the NewOrleans rock band rotary Downs, butthingshad slowed over time.When theband’svocalistand guitaristJames Marler decidedtomovetoSpain in 2022,the band threwafarewellshow.
“Weended up playingtwo shows, one at Hi-Hoand oneatd.b.a.right before he left,and they were superfun,” rhein says.“Hadn’t played in years, andjust gettingthatfeelingagain of playing music, Imissedit.”
Afterthe show,rhein wastalking with afriendwho then introduced him to Nelson.rhein andNelsoninstantly
clicked, andtheyquickly askedDepret, keyboardistMichael Girardot and guitarist eric Nichelsontowritesome musictogether.Girardot, whoplays with Therevivalists,was aformer rotary Downsbandmember, andrhein andNichelson,who playswiththe TexasbandMidlake,havebeenfriends sincetheir days at LSU.
Sittingaroundatable at Orange couchinMarigny, it’s easy to seethe comfor tand ease Depret,Nelsonand rheinhavewithone another. Like theirsongwriting, theconversation flowseasily.
Most of thebandmembers are fathers, so time is apreciouscommodity. When they gettogethertowrite or rehearse,theytry to stay on task —with some directionfromthe organized Depret, Nelson says
“Weknowmusically,there’s an insatiable need [inNew Orleans] for dadrock. We wanted to fill that void,” Nelson says jokingly.
TheBottoms draw inspirationfrom thealternative andindie rock they grew up with —the band’s most recent single “running in Mud” name-checks Weezer’s “Pinkerton”—and theera’s influencecan be heardinthe wallof-sound andbig guitars. Butrhein, Depretand Girardot’s three-part harmoniesand theuse of keys help The Bottomsstretch theirsound outsideof thebox
TheBottoms have severalmore singlestheyhopetorelease at regular intervals, thebandsays. Andthere are showsonthe booksfor Januaryand February as they starttoeye making weekendtrips outsideofthe city
“Itkeeps that flow going. It keepsthe good energygoing,” Nelson says.“ Andgoodthingshappen.”
Gift aVIP Fest Experience
NewOrleans alt-rock band TheBottoms
Echo chamber
by Will Coviello
THEMARIGNY OPERABALLETOPENS ITS SEASON on Dec. 6with“Here,” aprogram premiering twoshort contemporary balletsset to electronic-based music. The MarignyOpera Houseitselfwas theinspiration,orleaping offpoint,for theworks, whichexplore howechoesofthe past reverberateintothe presentand future Whilethe companyreturns with many familiar faces, thereisarenewalinleadership andvisionfor thecompany’s 11th season.MarignyOpera Housefounder Dave Hurlbert came outofretirement to resume duties as executivedirector. AndDiogo de Lima,who’s been choreographing worksatthe space sincebeforethe companywas founded in 2014,becamethe MarignyOpera Ballet’s newartisticdirectorinsummer. De Lima optednot to do thecompany’s original “JazzNutcracker” to open this season.Instead,hewantedtodo an original programgroundedinthe OperaHouse’s past.The building was constructedasthe Holy Trinitychurch in 1852 to servethe German immigrant
communityinthe neighborhood.But De Lima took acontemporaryapproach to hisworkbyenlisting TedJoynerand choreographerchristian Denice Joyner is aco-founderofthe locallybased electronic musicgroup Generationals.Hecomposedthe music for“Here,” andwillperform it live with the Delachaise ensemble andother musicians.
“Diogo startedwiththe idea of here and nowatthe OperaHouse andits history,” Hurlbert says.“ButasTed composed the musicand christianbegan workingonthe choreography,the conceptevolved.”
“Here” features twopieces, including De Lima’s “Put aLight On,” whichtakes itsnamefromasongJoynerwrote for theshow.
De Lima wasone of theballetcompany’s threeoriginalchoreographers, and he choreographedfull-length pieces including“AStreetcar NamedDesire,” “Orfeo”and more
He enlisted Denice to choreograph theother piece. Denice is basedinLos Angeles, butarrived in NewOrleans from
Greece,where he has been choreographing work foracompany there. De Lima followedhis work online andliked hisfluid motionsand lyricism, Hurlbert says Hispiece is titled “echoes.”
“Weall aspire to be echoes,” Hurlbert says.“We hope to leavesomething behind —someremembrance or glimmer. Allofusare influenced by echoes of the past,fromour families,our relationships, ourown actions. Theballetisabout the relationship betweenmemoriesofthe past andtheir relationship to today.”
Denice worked with Joyner virtually before coming to NewOrleans
“Ted andIgot interested in theidea of time andhow we feel time,” Denice says.“That became thepathway forme to representtimephysically. Istarted physically creating howtimecan be felt. Istarted doingthingsinslowmotionor faster paced.There aremoments that
flashbyinthe blinkofan eyeand things that drag on.The ghosts of thepast arethe idea of echoes.We neverreallyleave them behind;theycomewithus. That’s what we want.We want to make an impact so it createsanechofor thefuture.”
In itsfirst decade,the MarignyOpera Ballet hasalmostexclusively featured live musicfor itsperformances, much of it commissioned forproductions. For this show,Joynerwillsingand play synthesizers. He’s joined by theDelachaise ensemble string quartet, musician and composer Jeff Pagano andBrian Danos, whouseselectronicsynthesizers, samplersand sequencers
Thecompany features threereturningdancers,including edward Spots, Joshua Bell andLaurenGuynes, and newdancers
“Here” is at 8p.m.Dec.6-8 and13–15 at theMarigny OperaHouse.Tickets $40$75via eventbrite.com
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