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BonfolkAimstoDonate1Million Pairs of SocksbyTheir 10 Year Anniversary
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BY AMANDA XXX
This ar ticleisbrought to youbyBonfolk.
This ar ticleisbroughto youbyx xxxx xxx xxxx.
Fo un de di n2 01 5i nN ew Or le an s, Bo nf ol k, me an in gG ood Fo lk s, is a mission- dr iven sock brand dedica ted to suppor ting thoseinneed.From the beginning, thecompany has combined fashion,community,and philanthropy with aclear purpose: for ever ypairof sockssold, apair is donated to individuals in ne ed th roug hB on fo lk ’s no np ro fi t ar m, Bo nf ol kG ivi ng Go od 50 1(c) (3 ). This unique one-for-one business model ensure st ha tevery purchas edirect ly contribu testothe wellbeingofthose wholackbasic necessities.
As ac er ti fi ed Wo me n’sB us in es s Enterprise (WBENC)and afamily-owned company, Bonfolkhas growns teadily while preserving itscommunity-focused mission. Thecompany ’s NewOrleans roo ts ar ea pp ar en ti ni ts St re et ca r logoand thedesigns developedati ts MagazineStreetheadquarters. Each sock design celebrates thespirit andcultural richness of thecit y, showcasing iconic sy mbolslikeB eignet s&C aféAuL ai t, Craw fsh, and theinfamous Potholes. Bonfolkhas also venturedintocustom collaborations, partnering with beloved local establishmentssuchasCommander’s Palace,PreservationHall, Brennan’sas well as national brandslikeDunkin’,to createuniquesocks that blendcreativity with social responsibility.
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WH YSOCKS?
Th ef oc us on so ck si sd el ib er at ea nd driven by necessit y. Sock sremainthe mo st re que st ed ye tl eas td on at ed item in shelters,yearaferyear. Unlike coat sorshoes, sock swearout quickly and ne ed to be re pl aced mo re of en , making them an ongoingessential for thoseexperiencinghousing insecurity or fnancialhardship. Wi thou tproper sock s, individualsare at ahigherrisk of developing foot-related health issues, whichcan contribute to furtherhealth and mobility problems. Bonfolk’sdonated socksbring joyand comforttorecipients, pr ov id in gb rand -n ew pa ir s, cu st omdesigned to meet thespecifc needsof theirnonproft partners.Donationsocks aresolid black, midcrewheight, padded sole and mois ture wicking.
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SP ON SO RE DC
Bo nf ol kG ivi ng Go od (B GG )h as collabora tedw it hover200 nonpro ft organizationstodistributesocks,ensuring they reachthe people whoneed them mo st .W hile 85%o ft he se don at io ns re ma in in Lo uis ia na ,t he de ma nd for sock sextends nationwide,prompting BGGtoshipdonations beyond theirhome state.T hisexpansion emphasizes the brand’s vision to make abroader impact while keepingLouisiana at theheart of theirmission.
causethroughpurchases at retailersor throughcus tom- designed product s.
COMM UNIT YA ND
CUSTOMER SU PPOR T
unique designsatbonfolk.com or fndthem at select retailers. Each purchaseserves adualpurpose:providing thebuyer with high-quality sock sand directly helping someoneinneed throughadonation.
Al lB on fo lk pr od uc ts ar es hi pp ed from theirwarehouseinElmwood,L A, ensuring that theiroperationsremain connected to thelocal community.This loc at ionallow sfor seamlesslogis tics whilesuppor ting Louisiana’seconomy
THEPAT HTO1MIL LION
PA IR SDON AT ED
Bonfolk’sambitious target to donate 1m illion pair so fs ocks by th eend of 2025 is more than just amilestone-itisa testament to thecompany’s unwavering commit ment to addres sing an of enoverlookedneed.Todate, Bonfolkhas made considerable stridestowardthis goal,positivelyimpac ting thelives of hundreds of thousands. Theirability to approach this numberrefects thestrong suppor ttheyreceive from customers, retailers, and nonproft partners alike.
THEPOW ER OF PA RT NE RSHIP S
BGG’ssuccess is bolstered by itsstrategic partnerships.Nonproft s, communit y centers, andsheltersplayacritical role in distributing donated sockstothose in need.Eachorganization BGGpar tners with contributestoa networkofsupport th at st re tc he sa cr os st he co un tr y, delivering sock swhere they aremos t needed.Thisvastnetwork also amplifes Bo nf ol k’sm es sa ge and en co ur ag es otherbusinesses to consider howthey canintegrate social responsibility into theirpractices
In ad di ti on to lo ca lp ar tn er shi ps , Bonfolk’srelat ionships wi th na tion al brands like Dunk in’helpe xtendt heir reach. Collaborative project snot only increaseawareness of Bonfolk’smission bu ta ls oc re at eo pp or tu ni ti es fo r consumersnationwidetosuppor ttheir
“Our journeywouldn’tbepossible without theincrediblesupport we’vereceived from ourcommunity,” sayfoundersJanna Hart Blackand TimBlack.Thissentiment is echoed in theenthusiastic feedback from theircus tomers,who appreciate thechancetomakea differencethrough th ei rp ur ch as es .B on fo lk ’s vi br an t and uniquely designed sock snot only br in ga pi eceo fN ew Or le ans cu lt ure into homesacrossthe nation butalso allowconsumers to participateinthe company’smission of giving back . Bonfolkh as also be en proa ct ivein sharingtheir storythroughlocal events, pop-up shops, and social media,allowing them to connect wi th customer sona pers onal level. Thes epla tfor ms have be en in st ru ment al in bu il di ng al oyal customerbasethatseestheir purchase as more than jus tatransaction-it ’s an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful
HOWTOGET IN VOLV ED
Pu rcha si ng ap air of Bo nf olks ocks is an eas yway to suppor ttheir mission. Shoppers canexplore awidevariety of
Fo rt ho se wh ow an tt og oas te p further, Bonfolkwelcomescollaboration with otherbusinesses,nonprofts, and co mm un it yl ea de rs to ex pa nd th ei r re ac ha nd im pa ct .B GG pa rt ne rs hi ps andvolunteering oppor tunities areall part of thebiggerpicture of amplifying Bonfolk’smission
As Bo nf ol ka im sf or it sa mb it io us go al of don at in g1m il li on pa ir sb y 2025,the companyremainsrootedin gratitude. “We’re incredibly grateful for thesuppor tour communit yhas shown Bonfolkand ournonproftoverthe years.
Ou rc us to mers and st oc ki st sa re th e absolu te best!” re fect Jannaand Tim Bl ack. Th is spir it of ap precia tion and co mm un it y- ce nt er ed fo cu se ns ure s Bonfolk’scontinued success in combining creativity, culture,and compassion into ever ys teptheyt ake. y p y
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AR TS +E NT ER TA IN ME NT
Refreshed images
PhotoNOLAbringsphotoshows and events to NewOrleans Dec. 11-15
BALDWINLEE GREW UP IN NEWYORK’S CHINATOWN andpursued photography in collegeatMIT.Hethen entereda graduateprogram at Yale University andstudied with Walker evans, who became famous forhis portraitsof impoverished people struggling through theGreat Depression,especially thewhitesharecroppers in Alabama depicted in thePulitzerPrize-winning book with writer JamesAgee, “Let Us NowPraiseFamousMen.”
Upon graduation, Leemoved to Knoxvilletoset up aphotography department at theUniversityof Tennessee. Whilebased there, he startedtraveling theSouth in theearly 1980s, taking pictures with alarge bulky camera,likeevans hadused. He photographedeverything, from landscapes andarchitecturalshots to portraits. What resonatedwerehis photos of people in smalltowns andrural areas, especially photos of Blacksubjects, oftenagainst abackdropofpoverty Though Leereceivedfellowships from theGug genheimFoundation andthe National endowmentfor the Arts whilecompiling 10,000 photos, hisworkwasn’twidelyknown.Those images were rediscovered anddrew critical acclaimwitha solo show in New York in 2022 andthe publicationofan eponymousphotobook,published thesameyear.
An exhibition of thosephotosis nowshowing at theOgden Museum of SouthernArt,and it includes photosfromNew Orleansand Monroe, Louisiana. Leeisintownthisweek to give thekeynote addressatthe PhotoNOLAphotography festival, runningDec.11-15
PhotoNOLApresentsseveral events andtalks,including abookfair, panel discussionsand aportfolio review andexpoofthose works. Therealso aremorethan30photography shows organizedatmuseums,galleriesand alternative spaces runningconcurrent with thefestival, with most remaining open well afterPhotoNOLA ends. Thefestivalisbacktoits pre-pandemicsizeand scope, says director Lisa cates. Whilethe pandemic imposedsetbacks, it also hada silver lining forthe event. Some events went online,and in thewake, PhotoNOLA builtwider relationships nationally, catessays. This year,thereare many visiting judges on itspanel of more than 30 reviewers, whichdraws on
by Will Coviello |
photographers, museum curators, gallerists,collectorsand criticsfromthe Washington Post,NPr andBloomberg
PhotoNOLAisrun by theNew OrleansPhoto Alliance,and whilethe exhibitionsand many events arepublic, oneofthe core purposes of theevent is theportfolio review.The festival accepted 65 photographersfor review this year.While thoseeventsare for participantsand judges,the public can seethe portfolios at thePhotoWALK at theOgden Museum at 7-9p.m.Friday, Dec. 13.Festivalpassholders also get some access to thereviewprocess, with theopportunity to meet the photographers.
TheBaldwin Leeshowrunsat Ogdenthrough Feb. 16,2025. During PhotoNOLA, Ogdencurator richard Mccabe will lead awalk-throughofthe show.Lee also will participateinafew festival events in addition to hiskeynote address. Histalkisat7p.m.Thursday, Dec. 12,atLePetit Theatre, andis followed by thefestival’sBlack &White gala at theadjoiningTableau restaurant. Thefestival’sPhotobook Fair is 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdayatthe Ogden Museum.Thereare nearly 30 participatingpublishers, as well as several events during theday.Michael P. Smith Grant winnerscamille Farrah Lenain, Beth Lillyand cedric Dent will discuss theiraward-winning documentarywork at 11-11:50 a.m.
Michelle Dunn Marsh, founderof MinorMatterBooks,willdiscuss book publishing andcurrent changesin communications (noon-12:45p.m.) curators GregoryHarrisfromAtlanta’s
High Museum of Artand c. rose Smithofthe Memphis Brooks Museum of Artwill answer questionsinan “Ask acurator”session at 2-2:45 p.m.
TheUniversityofNew OrleansPress published “SeeingBlack,” lookingat Blackimage-makingfrom 1840 to thepresent,and editorsShana M. griffin andericWatersand ar tists Ashley Lorraine,christine “cfreedom” Brownand TodSmith will participate in apanel discussion at 3:30-5 p.m.
Otherfestivalpanel discussions includethe JulesL.cahnAnnualJohn H. Lawrence PhotographyLecture at theHistoricNew Orleanscollection. Thefocus is on coastalwetland loss, both in images of what’s happening to theenvironment andthe effect on southLouisiana communities. It’s a panelfeaturing photographersJ.T Blatty,VirginiaHanusik andKristie cornell. Thesession is at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11,atthe Williams research center exhibitionscover awiderange of styles from photojournalismand documentaryworktosurrealistart photographyand photocollages. There’sa show of abstract andsurreal worksat theNew OrleansPhoto Alliance Gallery. Alliance members’ work also is on displayinthe annual currents show at OgdenMuseum.
Overlappingwiththe arttriennial Prospect.6 is theshowofL.Kasimu Harris’photosofBlack-owned bars and musicatSweet Lorraine’s Jazz club TheNew OrleansMuseumofArt hasa show exploringtextcapturedinphotos. Thereare numerous showsat WarehouseDistrictand St.claude artgalleries.AGallery forFine PhotographypresentsJosephine Sacabo’s prints on Japanese tissue. In Uptown,JillianMac Fine Artshows Benjamin Dome’s photochronicle of ethiopia’s Mursitribe preserving its traditionalwaysasitbrushes with the encroachingmodernworld.Atalternative spaces,there areJulie Dermansky’s photos of Antarcticemperor penguins at MineralogieinGretna. Visitphotonola.org forafullschedule andlistofexhibitions.
Greenway Supernova
Theholiday festival brings live music, artand lightinstallations,foodtrucks andaholiday market to Greenway Stationatthe tipofBayou St.John on theLafitte Greenway.The music lineupfeaturescubaHeat, Josephine Alphonso,colin Davisand NightPeople andTeena MayonThursday, Dec. 12 There’sTamarie T. andThe elektra Kumpany, congoKidsand Young Guardiansofthe Flame, LeTrainiump andchloe MarieonFriday, Dec. 13.And Saturday,Dec.14, brings KristinDiable with theLostBayou ramblers’Jonny campos,Dusky Waters,creoleString Beansand Kirkland Green. Supernova hoursare 5-9p.m.Visit lafittegreenway.orgfor details.
PattersonHood
Just before Thanksgiving,the Drive-By Truckers concludedatourcelebratingtheir earlyalbum “Southernrock Opera.”Then co-founder Patterson Hood launched atourpreviewinghis fourth solo album, “exploding Trees &AirplaneScreams,” whichisdue forrelease in February.Despite the dramatic name,it’sfullofreflective, storytelling songs, andHoodswaps his guitar forpiano on some songs, as well as incorporatingwoodwinds andstrings It’s hisfirst solo releaseinadozen years. He performs at 8p.m.Tuesday,Dec 10,atchickie WahWah.Tickets $47.57 viachickiewahwah.com
Running of theSantas
TheChristmas-themedpub crawl starts at Lucy’s RetiredSurfer’sBar at 2p.m.Saturday, Dec. 14,and departs at 6p.m.for GenerationsHall, where there’smusic by NeutralSnapand DJ Wixx.There’s acostume contestwith prizes.Findtickets viarunningofthesantas.com.
LPOHappyHour
TheLouisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’shappy hourseries gets theorganization’smusicians outof theOrpheum Theatersetting andinto musicvenuesand bars around New Orleansfor more casualconcerts. The
PR OV ID ED PH OT O
‘Vicksburg,Mississippi,’ 1983,byBaldwin Lee
PH OT OP ROVI DE DBYO GD EN MU SE UM OF SO UT HE RN AR T
TheNew OrleansRecreation andDevelopment Commission recently cutthe ribbon on a newesports center at theMilne recreation center in Gentilly.It’s NOrD’s second esportslocation, followingone that opened this summer at thecut-Off reccenter in Algiers. Thecenters feature desktopcomputers andvideo game consoles wherelocal teens andolder kids canparticipate in videogamecompetitionsand learn more aboutgaming.
OP EN IN G GA MB
NewOrleans Trap Kitchen, community hubfor food pop-upsinBywater, closes after5years
NEWORLEANS TRAP KITCHENHAS
CLOSED ITSDOORS,endinga five-year runofproviding rental commercial kitchen spacetomicro andsmall food businesses in thecity.
TheCoalition to RestoreCoastal Louisiana hassofar planted8,150 treesinMaurepasSwamp since 2015 andhas planstoadd another 4,500baldcypressand water tupelo treesoverthe next three years. Thefutureplantingefforts will coincide with alargerstate project, whichbroke ground last week,toreconnect theMississippi riverand Maurepas Swampin ordertorevitalizethe area.
ButTrapKitchen wasn’t your averagerentalkitchen.Itwas alearning spacefor newchefs andfoodoperators, andits ownerericrothschild hadbecomeamuch-needed voice forpop-ups andother microfood businesses at thecitylevel rothschild told Gambit lowand inconsistent usageofthe kitchen wasthe biggestreasonhedecided to closeupshop.
Trap Kitchen wasone of only a handfulofcommissarykitchens in thecity, wherepop-upfood businesses,cateringcompanies and otherscan rent spacetocookfoodto sell andmeetstate healthstandards withouthavingtoown acommercial kitchenthemselves.
He also consistently promoted smalllocal food businesses on his Instagram, whichhas amassednearly 5,000followers.Thatextendedto meetingwithcityleaders andadvocating forimproving theway thecity handlespermittingfor food pop-ups. resourceslikethese became alifeline to food business owners trying to find theirfooting andnavigatethe confusingpermittingprocess.Their clientshaveincludedLatin pop-up QuePasta,rabbitHoleSupperclub, Whoa NowBBQ,Firefly Pops,Burger Nerdsand many others.
QuePasta ownerAmandaAlard told Gambit Trap Kitchenhelpedher getinthe position to getthe permits sheneededtobecomelegal “which only opened doorsfor me andultimately gave me apeace of mind.”
“ericwas alwayswarm andcared abouthelping others,” shesaid. “It’s ashame to seeitclose.”
THENUMBEROFDOLLARS,IN BILLIONS, LOUISIANAWILLBE DEPRIVED OF,THANKSTOGENEROUS TAXBREAKSFOR LIQUIFIED NATURALGAS FACILITIES.
decision to keep theIndustrialTax exemption Programinthe recent sessiontooverhaul statetax policy will most negatively impact calcasieu, cameronand Plaqueminesparishes environmentalgroupsand residentsare also concerned aboutworsening public health stemming from growth of theLNG industry
Gov. Jeff Landry, hastargetedan LSUlaw professorwho commented on therecentpresidential election during alecture. Landry,the former stateattorney general,sentalettertothe LSU BoardofSupervisors saying the professorshouldbedisciplined Theclownfish also took to social media, taggingDonaldTrump, to airhis grievances.
TheBywater building at 1043 Poland Ave.,noticeablefor itsbrightmural filled with fruitand flowersonthe front, hadbecomeacommunity spaceover theyears.TrapKitchen offeredfood safety classes, permitting andlicensing support, help applying andplanningto sell at festivalsand more earlierthisyear,rothschildstarted acommunity shelfwhere chefscould getrid of itemstheydidn’tneedand gave others achancetoclaim those itemsfor free
Burger Nerdsowner Alfredo Manzanares said rentingspace at Trap Kitchenhelpedhis business become profitable.BurgerNerds nowoperatesout of courtyard Breweryand is settoopenaphysical location in Metairie.
“I don’tthink I’dbeasdisciplined in business if Ididn’thavea start with somethinglikeTrapKitchen,” he said
In an Instagram post,rothschild said it hadbeen“an honor. having
Whichproposedconstitutional amendmentare youwatching on theDec.7ballot?
Areportbythe Sierra club says Gov. Jeff Landry’s
Eric Rothschild,owner of NewOrleans Trap Kitchen.
watchedaton of greatchefs andproducers grow theirfoodand beverage businesses,while servingasa communityhub throughentrepreneurial support, mutual aidand eventhosting.”
He also hinted that this maynot be theend of hiscareerinthe food world.
“Staytuned to find outwhatour next move mightbe: Permit andlicense consultsand advocacy?Food&bev influencer? Oyster taster?(always &forever, duh!)” he wrote.
—KayleePoche
Judgedismisses lawsuit againstLouisiana Board of Ethics,saysarguments weren’tbased on law
AJUDGE HASDISMISSED ALAWSUIT BY STATELAWMAKERS whoasked himto blockthe LouisianaBoard of ethics from choosing anew person to lead theiragencyuntil thegovernormakes severalnew appointments to the boardinJanuary.
Thelegal fightoverthe appointments stemsfromthe resignationofethics AdministratorKathleen Allen, as well as anew lawthatexpandedthe number of ethics boardmembers from 11 to 15.
Theethicsadministrator is thechief legaladviser to theboard,which enforces campaign financelawsas well as conflict-of-interest andnepotismrules forlawmakers andother public of ficials.
Thelawsuit,brought by stateSens. regina Barrow,D-Baton rouge, and Stewartcathey, r-Monroe,accused theLouisiana Boardofethicsofviolatingthe state’sopenmeetingslaw
They said theboard wasn’t transparent in howitundertook formal discussionsand meetings relatedto fillingthe upcoming vacancyofthe ethics administratorjob
However, multiple snagsarose Monday afternoonduringarguments in aBaton rougecourtroom,with 19th Judicial District courtJudge Kelly Balfourrepeatedlyvoicing skepticism toward thesenators’ position during thehearing Amongthem: If thesenatorscould even bringsuitagainst theboard. Said Gray Sexton,anattorney forthe senators:“We’renot here to enforcea provisionofthe open meetings law. I’mnot sure that anyone otherthanthe attorney generalhas
standing to enforcea provisionofthe open meetings law.”
“We’re identifyingnumerousviolationsofthatlaw …toensurethat, in the path forward, there’scompliancewith thepublicmeetingslaw,” he added.
Sexton also said theethicsboard violated theopenmeetingslaw on “at leasteight differentoccasions.”
Butonlyone allegedviolationwas included in theoriginalpetition.
Balfourrepeatedlypointed outhe canonly take into accountwhat’s
included “inthe four cornersof thepetition.”
Sexton argued that theethicsboard, whichshouldbeheldtothe highest standards, hadfailedtobetransparent with respecttothe hiring process.
Balfoursaidheagreedwiththe principleofSexton’sposition: “I agreewith your premise, so youdon’t have to talk me into that.Myquestionis, whereis thelaw I’mgonna rule on?”
“WhatIruleonare factsthatare alleged, not‘we just don’tlikethe way they’vebeendoing things lately,’ ” Balfoursaidatone point.
Balfourultimatelyruled that the lawsuitwasn’tfiled in atimelymanner andthe senators didn’t have standing to file suit
He also endeda temporaryrestrainingorder that hadbeeninplace, blocking theBoard of ethics from hiring an administrator. —AlysePfeil / TheTimes-Picayune
You’re free to live your Becauseyou’vegot the the cross, the security andthe comfort ofBlu
rlifeout loud! compassion of of the shield, ebehind you.
BOLD Reds BOLD Reds
NewOrleans’NOLAGold rugbyteamannounces 2025 schedule,introduces newcoach
THENOLAGOLDRUGBY TEAM DEC. 3ANNOUNCED their17game2025 schedule andanambitious plan to boostinterestinthe sportahead of the2031rugby Worldcup,which will be hosted in theUnitedStates.
TheGoldkickoff theirseasonwith ahomegameagainst Anthem rugby carolina at theirstadium at TheShrine on AirlineinMetairie. Theteamwillplay eighthomegames betweenFebruary andJune(full schedule below)
Last year,the Gold finished the regularseason10-6and qualifiedfor theplayoffsfor thefirst time
Foundedin2017, theGoldplayin theMajor League rugbyunion,which wasalsoformedin2017. MLrconsists of 12 teams: 11 from theUnitedStates andone from canada.Althoughrugby enjoys huge popularity abroad,it is relatively unknowninthe United States,and hastypically been played here on aclublevel
Butwiththe U.S. settohostthe 2031 rugbyWorld cup, thesport is making a push to broadenits reachinthe states
As part of that effort,NOLAGoldlast monthannounced its“Vision 31”planto grow thesport both locallyand nationally aheadofthe worldcup.
This is ourcommitmenttolead rugby’sgrowthinAmerica.Vision 31 represents aturning point— not just forNOLAGoldbut forthe sport itself,” NOLAGoldchairmanThierry Daupin said of Vision 31.
UnderVision31, they aimtoraise rugbytonew standardsfor New Orleansand inspirethe next generation of leadersonfield andoff field, with afocus on continuing community engagement andkeeping sports affordable andaccessible.
“community is very important to us,webelieve that ourcorevaluesare attached to thevalues of thecity, and we want to sharethat,”saysDaupin.
As part of that push,NOLAGoldhas also hiredDanny Leetocoach theteam. Leemostrecentlycoached theSan DiegoLegionand hasa14-year career as aformerprofessionalrugby player
At apress conference releasingthe schedule,Lee said he anticipatesan exciting season,“There’sgoing to be some very good gamescoming up,so theimportanceofwhatwedoweekin andweekout is huge forme.”
Theteamislooking to keep the game accessible,withtickets starting at just $25. Go to theirwebsite for ticketsand more information.
—MaddieSpinner
2025 SCHEDULE
SATURDAY,FEB.15, 6PM
NOLAGold vs Anthem rugbycarolina NOLAGold rugbyStadium, Metairie,LA
SATURDAY,FEB.22, 6PM
NOLAGold vs.Miami Sharks AutoNation Sports Field, Fort Lauderdale,FL
SATURDAY,MARCH 1,2PM
NOLA Gold vs.UtahWarriors Zion’s Bank Stadium,Herriman, UT
SATURDAY,MARCH 15,2 PM
NOLAGold vs Newengland Free Jacks MassachusettsVeteransMemorial Stadium,Quincy, MA
SATURDAY,MARCH 22,6 PM
NOLA Gold vs.rFc LosAngeles NOLAGold rugbyStadium, Metairie,LA
SATURDAY,MARCH 29,6 PM
NOLAGold vs.chicago Hounds NOLAGold rugbyStadium, Metairie,LA
SATURDAY,APRIL 5, 7PM
NOLAGold vs.Anthemrugby carolina American Legion Memorial Stadium, charlotte,Nc
SATURDAY,APRIL 12,6 PM
NOLAGold vs.Old GloryD.c NOLAGold rugbyStadium, Metairie,LA
SATURDAY,APRIL 19,7 PM
NOLAGold vs.Houston Sabercats SabercatsStadium,Houston,TX
SUNDAY,APRIL 27,3 PM
NOLAGold vs.Seattle Seawolves NOLAGold rugbyStadium, Metairie,LA
SATURDAY,MAY 3, 7PM
NOLA Gold vs.San DiegoLegion Torero Stadium,San Diego, cA
FRIDAY,MAY 9, 6PM
NOLAGold vs.Miami Sharks NOLAGold rugbyStadium, Metairie,LA
TUESDAY, MAY13
NOLAGold vs.Old GloryD.c TBD
SATURDAY,MAY 24,6 PM
NOLA Gold vs Utah Warriors NOLAGold rugbyStadium, Metairie,LA
SATURDAY,MAY 31,6 PM
NOLAGold vs.chicago Hounds SeatGeek Stadium,chicago,IL
SATURDAY,JUNE7,6 PM NOLAGold vs Newengland Freejacks NOLAGold rugbyStadium, Metairie,LA
@GambitBlake |askblake@gambitweekly.com
Hey Blake, Thereare several branches of Fifth District Savings Bank in thearea, most on theWest Bank.I’m curious: Wheredoesthe name come from?
Dear reader, YOUWEREONTOSOMETHING WHEN YOUNOTED most of thebranchesof FifthDistrictSavings Bank areon the West Bank.That’swhere theinstitution,originallyknown as theFifth District HomesteadSociety,has its roots. It wasestablished in 1926 in Algiers, whichwas annexedintothe city of NewOrleans in 1870 as the FifthMunicipal District
“Fifth District HomesteadSociety is thenameofthe organization originally knownasthe AlgiersBuildingand Loan Association,recentlyformedbyAlgiers businessmen,”reportedthe March 14,1926Times-Picayune. “Under it (the charter) theorganization cando business in Jeffersonand Plaquemines parishes as well as in OrleansParish.”
Thehomestead’s presidentwas edward W. Burgis
Currency traderswatch monitors at theforeign exchange dealingroom.
In 1976,the name waschanged to FifthDistrictSavings andLoan Association. In 2005,itchanged again to FifthDistrictSavings Bank.Over thepastcentury,the bank grew to sixlocations in themetro area with $481 millioninassetsand $390 million in deposits.
This past year,federal regulators approved FifthDistrict’sconversion from aprivate,member-owned bank to astock-owned public company. In August,its newholding company, FifthDistrictBancorp, begantrading on theNASDAQ usingthe symbol FDSB
AYOUNG NEWORLEANS SINGER ANDPIANO PLAYER NAMEDANTOINE “FATS” DOMINO steppedintocosimoMatassa’s J&MStudio75years agothisweekto record thesongwhich launched himtointernational fame —“TheFat Man.” Domino, 21,was playingatthe Hideaway club in theNinth Ward when producer andImperialrecords talent scoutDaveBartholomew broughtthe label’sowner, Lewchudd,tohearhim.Theyweretaken by Domino’s versionofthe song “Junker Blues,”first recorded in 1940 by champion Jack Dupree chudd signed Domino to arecording contract andtaskedBartholomew with cleaning up thelyricsofthe song whichdepictedthe life of apersonwitha drug addiction. SinceDomino’snicknamewas Fats,Bartholomew played offa popular radioseriescalled“TheFat Man.”
AccordingtoDominobiographer rick coleman, on Dec. 10,1949, Fats was backed during thesix-hourrecording sessionatMatassa’s studio on Northrampart Street by legendarydrummer earl Palmer,bassist FrankFields, guitarist ernest McLean andsax playersHerbert Hardesty,clarenceHall, JoeHarrisand Alvin “red”Tyler.
Therecord(with “Detroit city Blues” on theB-side) wasanalmostimmediate hitlocally andwentontopeakatNo. 6onthe r&Bcharts, eventually earninga gold record.ItalsogaveAmerica what some historians have called thefirst rock ‘n’rollsong.
“Well, Iwouldn’twanttosay that Istarted it (rock‘n’ roll), butI don’tremember anyone else before me playingthatkindof stuff,”Dominosaidina 1981 interview whichcoleman includes in hisbook“Blue Monday:FatsDominoand theLost Dawn of rock ‘n’roll.”
Whether or nottheirswas thefirst rock ‘n’rollrecord, Domino andBartholomew wouldgoontorelease 40 othersingles whichcharted on Billboard’sr&B Top40. Sevenofthem reachedNo. 1.
Domino,who died in 2017,and Bartholomew, whodiedtwo yearslater,wereboth inducted into therockand roll Hall of Fame —among many otherhonors.
BL AK E VI EW
STAT E OF TH E FR EE PR ES S 20 25
Thestory beingcensored couldbeyours (whether youknowitornot)!
BY PA UL ROS EN BE RG ,S EN IO RE DI TO R, RA ND OM LE NG TH NE WS
This stor yhas been edited forlength. Forthe complete stor y, checkout bestofneworleans.com.
WITH ANY“TOP10” LIST,there’sanatural tendency to look firstat No.1,and neither Inor ProjectCensoredwould discourage youfrom doingthat, when it comestotheir annual list of thetop censored stories of theyear. This year,the topstory is aboutworkplace deaths and injuries—withstrikingracialdisparities, particularly formuch-maligned foreign-born workers. Injury ratesfor southernservice workers—predominantly Black— areespeciallyalarming: 87%in oneyear, according to onepoll. Sensationalizeddeathsand injuries make thenewsall the time,but workplacedeathsand injuries(nearly6,000,and 2.8million respectively in ayear) areanother matter altogether.They’re anon-story,evenwhenadvocates strive to shinea lightonthem
Butthispattern of what’s deemed newsworthy andwhatisn’t leads to adeeppoint.Inthe introduction to thelist, AssociateDirectorAndy LeeRothwritesthat“readerscan only appreciate thefullsignificance of theProject’s annual listingofimportant butunderreported storiesby stepping backtoperceivedeeper, less obviouspatternsofomissionin
Ed ’snote: As part of ourlongstandingcommitmenttoafree pen presswhich serves theneeds of thepublic, Gambit is toonceagain presentProject ’s Censored’s annual list of the underreported stories. Over itsnearly50yearhistory,Project oed hashelpedshedlight on critical storiesinLouisiana,the d States andacrossthe world.
Editor’ and op proud t most u Censro United
corporatenewscoverage.”And Icouldn’t agreemore. This hasalwaysbeenatheme of mine as long as I’ve been reviewingtheir lists, becausethe patterns of what’s being blockedout of thepublicconversationare theclearestway of seeing thecensoring processatwork—the processthatProject Censored founderPeter Jensen described as “the suppression of information, whether purposeful or not, by anymethod…that prevents thepublicfromfully knowing what is happeninginits society.”
It’s notjustthatsomehow allthe news assignment editorsinAmerica overlooked this or that story. Wherethere arepatterns of omission so consistently,yearafter year, they canonlybeexplained by systemic biases rooted in theinterests of particularly powerful specialinterests.What’smore,
in addition to patterns of omissioninthe storiesasawhole,one canalsofindintersectingpatternswithinindividualstories. Theabove descriptionofthe topstory is an example: race,class,region, citizenship status andmoreare allinvolved.
At abig-picture level, thereare three dealingwithcyber issues andfourthatare each clearlydealing with theenvironment, corporatemisconduct, harm to consumers andrace. Or perhapsIshouldsay seven dealingwithrace, themoreIthink about what “clearly”means.Two of thefourstories Icounted as dealingwithraceinvolved global environmentalissues, whichalmost always have an obviousracialcomponent, whilea third, “Abortionservicescensored on social platformsglobally,”disproportionatelyimpacts minorities in theU.S.,
holiday PET PHOTO CONTEST
as well as globally.Those Icounted as “clearly”withnoproblem.But anotherthree areprettydamnclear, too, with amoment’sthought Forexample,story No.7,“Military personneltargetGen Zrecruitswith luridsocialmedia tactics” clearly involves cyberdeception of social mediaconsumers with theaim of luringthemintoadangerous workplace from whichtheycannotsimplyresign once they realizethey’ve been lied to or conned.But in addition to cyber, consumer andworkplace harm,the target audience andresulting recruits areundoubtedly disproportionately non-white, though that’s notexplicitly dwelton. Thesamecould be said for twoother stories: “New federalrule limits transcript withholdingbycollegesand universities”and “Controversialacquitted-conductsentencing challenged by U.S. commission.” Anything involvingeducation or the criminal justicesystemisbound to involvedisproportionateharmto minorities,asstatisticsinvariably show.Infact, all10could well reflect this reality. Butthat’senoughtomake my pointclear.
forminorities, accordingtorecent studiesreportedonbyTruthoutand PeoplesDispatch, whilethe same isn’t true forother developednations Workplacefatalitiesincreased 5.7% in the2021-2022 period coveredby theBureauofLabor Statistics or BLS’s Census of FatalOccupationalInjuries, TylerWalicek reported forTruthout. “Nearly6,000 U.S. workersdiedon thejob,” he wrote—a10-year high while“astartling totalof2.8 million were injuredorsickened” accordingto another BLSreport.
Theracialdisparitiesweresharp. Theaverage workplacedeath rate was3.7 deaths perhundred thousand full-timeworkers,but it was24.3% higher (4.6 deaths)for Latiné workers and13.5%higher (4.2 deaths)for Blackworkers.The majority of Latiné deaths (63.5%) were of foreign-born workers, and40% of thosewerein construction.“It’s nothardtoimagine that communicationlapsesbetween workersonanactiveconstruction site couldfeasiblycreatedangerous situations,” Waliceknoted Transportation incidentswerethe highestcause of fatalities within both groups.Violenceand otherinjuriesby personsoranimals were second highestfor Blackworkers,for Hispanicor Latiné workersitwas falls, slips, or trips. Blackpeopleand womenwere particularlylikelytobehomicidevictims.Black people represented13.4% of allfatalities, but33.4% of homicide fatalities —morethantwice thebase rate.Women represented8.1%of allfatalities, but15.3% of homicide fatalities —alittlelessthantwice the base rate
Thenon-fatal injury rate forservice workersinthe South, particularly workersofcolor,isalsoalarmingly high,according to an April5,2023
report by PeoplesDispatchsummarizingfindingsfroma March2023survey by theStrategic Organizing Center or SOC. Thepollof347 workers, most of whom were Black, “found that a shocking 87%wereinjured on the jobinthe last year,” they reported.In addition,“More than half of survey respondentsreportedobserving serious healthand safety standard [violations] at work,” and“most workersworried abouttheir personal safety on the job, most believethattheir employer prioritizesprofitoversafety, most do notraise safety issues forfearofretaliation, andthe vast majority (72%) believethattheir employer’s attitude ‘placescustomersatisfactionabove worker safety.’ ”
“Comparedtoother developed countries, theUnitedStatesconsistently underperformsinproviding workerswithon-the-jobsafety,” ProjectCensorednoted.“Walicekargued that this is adirectconsequence of ‘the diminution of worker power andregulatoryoversight’inthe United States.” U.S. workplacefatalityrates exceeded thoseinthe U.K.,Canada,Australia andmuchofEurope, accordingtoa2021assessmentby theconsultingfirmAriniteHealth and Safety,Walicek reported “Workers areincreasinglyorganizingtofight back againsthazardousworking conditions,” Project Censored noted, citing acivil rights complaintagainstSouth Carolina’s Occupational Safety andHealthAdministration (SCOSHA) filedbymembers of therecently-formed Unionof SouthernService Workers(USSW) “for failingtoprotect Blackworkers from hazardousworking conditions,” as reported by thePostand Courier of Charleston, SouthCarolina. The USSW complaintalleged that “from 2018 to 2022,SCOSHAconducted no programmed inspectionsinthe food/ beverage andgeneral merchandiseindustries,and only onesuchinspection in thefoodservicesand warehousing industries.” On April4,2023, when it filedthe complaint, USSW went on
aone-day strike in Georgiaand the Carolinastoexposeunsafeworking conditions in theservice industry. It marked theanniversary of Martin Luther King’s assassinationwhile supporting asanitationworkers strike in Memphis, Tennessee. Then on Dec. 7, USSW sent apetitiontofederal OSHA requesting that it revoke South Carolina’s stateOSHAplan“because thePlanhas failed to maintain an effectiveenforcement program.”
Neither theBLS findings northe conflict betweenthe USSW andSC OSHA have received much corporate mediacoverage. TheBLS fatalities report wasreleasedinDecember 2023,withnoU.S.daily newspaper coverage when ProjectCensored’s analysis wasdone. Therewas astory on theMinnesota findings by FOXin Minneapolis-St.Paulthe monththe report wasreleased. Anda full story on GreenBay ABCaffiliate WBAY on April12, 2024,“as part of itscoverage of ‘WorkZoneSafetyAwareness Week.’ ”Project Censored noted. In conclusion,Project Censored noted, “The corporatemedia’s refusal to coverthe harshrealities of workplacedeathsand injuries—and the obviousracialdisparities in whoishurt andkilledonthe job—makes thetask of organizing to addressoccupational safety at anationallevel that much more difficult.”
Natalia Alay za,Valerie Laxton and CarolynNeunuebel
“After yearsofpandemic, aglobal recession, andintensifyingdroughts, floods andother climatechange impacts, many developing countries areoperating on increasingly tight budgetsand at risk of defaulting on loans,”theywrote.“High-interest rates, shortrepayment periods, and... thecoexistence of multiple crises (likea pandemic paired with naturaldisasters)can allmakeit difficultfor governmentstomeettheir debt servicingobligations.”
“Globalstandards forclimate resilience require immensenational budgets,”Project Censored noted. “Developingcountries borrow from internationalcreditors,and as debt pilesup, governmentsare unable to payfor essentialneeds,including public health programs,foodsecurity, andclimate protections.”
In fact,The Guardian rana story describing howglobalSouth nations are“forced to invest in fossil fuel projects to repaydebts,” aprocess critics have characterizedasa“newformof colonialism.”Theycited areportfrom anti-debtcampaignersDebtJustice andpartnerswhich foundthat“the debt owed by global southcountries hasincreased by 150% since2011 and54countries areinadebtcrisis, having to spendfivetimes more on repayments than on addressing the climatecrisis.”
currentcommitments ($800million) fall farshort of the$100billion more each year by 2030 whichthe 14 developing countriesonthe fund’s board have argued for. Some estimates placethe figure much higher,“at around $400 billion,”according to a Euronews storylastJune.
Theclimate debt trap “has received limited news coverage,” ProjectCensorednotes.Aside from TheGuardian, “independent news coverage has been limitedtooutlets that specialize in climatenews.”
Salt water intrusion threatensU.S. freshwatersupplies
SEA-LEVELRISEISANEASY-TO-
Like theclimate crisis itself,the climatedebttrapwas foreseeablein advance. “A prescientreportpublished by Dissentin2013, Andrew Ross’s “Climate Debt Denial,” provides astark reminder that theclimate debt trap nowhighlighted by theWorld Resources Instituteand others waspredictable more than adecadeago,” ProjectCensorednotes.But that report highlighted much earlier warnings andefforts to addressthe problem.
Theconcept of an ecological debt owed to theglobalSouth forthe resource exploitation that fueled the global North’sdevelopment wasfirst introduced “inthe lead-uptothe 1992 EarthSummitinRio de Janeiro,”Ross noted. Subsequently,“TheKyoto Protocol laid thegroundworkfor such claims in 1997 by includingthe idea of ‘commonbut differentiated responsibilities’among nations, butclimate activistsdid notfully take up thecall fordebtjustice untilthe Copenhagensummitin2009.”Prior to that summit,in2008, NASA climatologist JamesHansenestimated theU.S historical carbon debt at 27.5%ofthe worldtotal,$31,035 percapita.
Whilea “lossand damage”fund“to assist developing countriesthatare particularly vulnerable to theadverse effectsofclimate change”was established at the2022Climate Summit,its
GRASPCONSEQUENCE OF GLOBAL WARMING, butthe most immediate threat it poses—saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems—has only received sporadic localizedtreatment in thecorporate press. “Infall2023, saltwatertraveling from theGulf of Mexico up theMississippi Riverinfiltrated thefreshwatersystems of the deltaregion, contaminatingdrinking andagriculturalwater supplies as well as inland ecosystems,” Project Censored notes. “Thiscrisisprompted ascrambletosupplypotable water to theregionand motivatedlocal andfederal officialstoissue emergency declarations.”
Whileoutlets like Time,CNN and CBSNewscovered thesaltwater intrusionatthe time,they“focused almost exclusivelyonthe threat to coastalLouisiana,” but“apairof articles publishedinOctober 2023 by DelaneyNolan forThe Guardian and [hydrogeologist] HollyMichael forThe Conversation highlightedthe escalatingthreatofsaltwater intrusionacross theUnitedStatesand beyond.”
“Deepbelow ourfeet, alongevery coast, runs thesaltline: thezone wherefresh inland watermeets salty seawater,” Nolanwrote.“That line naturallyshiftsbackand forthall the time,and weathereventslikefloods andstormscan push it furtherout. Butrisingseasare graduallydrawing thesaltlinein,”hewarned. “InMiami, thesaltlineiscreepinginlandbyabout 330feetper year.Severedrought —as theGulfCoast andMidwest have been experiencing this year —drawthe salt line even furtherin.”
“Seawaterintrusion into groundwaterishappening alloverthe world, butperhaps themostthreatened
islands,”suchasthe Marshall Islands, whichis“predictedtobeuninhabitable by theend of thecentury,” Michaelwrote.
“Fresh waterisessential for drinking,irrigationand healthy ecosystems,” Michael wrote. “When seawater movesinland, thesaltitcontainscan wreak havoconfarmlands, ecosystems,lives andlivelihoods.” Forexample,“Drinking waterthat contains even 2% seawater can increase bloodpressureand stress kidneys. If saltwatergetsintosupply lines, it cancorrode pipesand producetoxic disinfection by-products in watertreatment plants.Seawaterintrusionreduces thelifespanofroads, bridgesand other infrastructure.”
WhileTime, CNNand CBSNews focusednarrowlyoncoastal Louisiana, ProjectCensorednoted that some news outlets, “including FOX Weather andAxios”misreported the threat as “only temporaryrather than along-term problem.”
Naturalgas industry hid health andclimate risksofgas stoves
WHILEGAS STOVES ERUPTEDAS ACULTURE WARISSUE IN 2023, reportingbyVox andNPR (inpartnership with theClimate Investigations Center)revealed amulti-decade campaign by thenatural gasindustry usingtobacco industry’s tacticsto discreditevidenceofharm, thwart regulation,and promotethe useofgas stoves.While gasstovesare ahealth hazard,the amount of gasusedisn’t that much,but “house builders and real estate agents saymanybuyers demand agas stove,”which makesit more likely they’lluse more high-volumeappliances,“such as afurnace, waterheaterand clothesdryer,” NPRexplained.“That’s whysome in theindustryconsiderthe stovea ‘gateway appliance.’”
In aseriesofarticlesfor Vox, environmentaljournalistRebecca Leber “documentedhow thegas utility industry used strategies previously employed by thetobacco industry to avoidregulationand undermine scientific evidence establishing the harmfulhealthand climateeffects of gasstoves,”Project Censored noted.
“The basicscientificunderstandingofwhy gasstovesare aproblem forhealthand theclimate is on solid footing,”she reported.“It’s also common sense. When youhavea fire in thehouse,you need somewherefor
allthatsmoke to go.Combust natural gas, andit’snot just smokeyou need to worryabout.There aredozens of other pollutants,including the greenhouse gasmethane,thatalsofill theair.”
Theconcernsaren’tnew.“Even in theearly1900s,the naturalgas industry knew it hada problemwith thegas stove,”Leber recounts.Itwas cleaner than coal or wood —its main competitionatthe time,“butnew competitionwas on thehorizon from electric stoves.” They avoidedscrutiny forgenerations,but “40years ago, thefederal government seemed to be on thebrink of regulating thegas stove,”she wrote. “Everythingwas on thetable,fromanoutrightban to amodificationofthe CleanAir Actto addressindoorair pollution.”The gas industry fought back with asuccessfulmultiprongattack, that’s being mounting againtoday,and “someof thedefenders of thegas stoveare the same consultantswho have defended tobaccoand chemicalsindustriesin litigation over health problems.”
DocumentsobtainedbyNPR and CICtellasimilar story. Theindustry “focused on convincing consumers andregulatorsthatcooking with gas is as risk-freeascooking with electricity,”theyreported. “Asthe scientific evidence grew over time aboutthe health effectsfromgas stoves,the industry used aplaybookechoing the
nonprofitthatprovidesinformation aboutaccesstothe abor tion pill, posted aTikTokvideo encouraging people to vote to protectreproductive rights.Almostimmediately,its accountwas suddenly banned.This wasbut oneexample of aworldwide cross-platform pattern.
“Accesstoonlineinformation aboutabortionisincreasinglyunder threat both in theUnitedStatesand around theworld,” theWomen’s MediaCenterorWMC reported in November 2023.“Both domestic andinternational reproductive health rights andjustice organizationshave reported facing censorship of their websites on socialmedia platforms includingInstagram,Facebook, and TikTok as well as on Google.” The governmentsofSouth Korea, Turkey andSpain have also blockedthe websiteofWomen on Web, which provides online abor tion services and informationinover200 countries. At thesametimeabortiondisinformation, forfakeabortionclinics, remainswidespread.
onethattobacco companies employed fordecades to fend offregulation. The gasutility industry relied on some of thesamestrategies, researchersand public relationsfirms.”
“Ithas takenalmost50years since thediscovery of negative effectson children of nitrogen dioxidefromgas stoves to beginpreventiveaction. We should notwaitany longer,” Dr.Bernard Goldstein, whobegan researchingthe subjectint he 70s, told NPR.
“Bycoveringgas stoves as aculture warcontroversy,corporate media have ignoredthe outsizeroleofthe naturalgas industry in influencing science, regulation, andconsumer choice,” ProjectCensorednoted Instead, they’vefocused on individual actions, localmoves to phaseout gashookups fornew buildingsand right-wing culturewar opposition to improvinghomeappliance safety andefficiency, includingthe GOP House-passed “Hands OffOur Home Appliances Act.”
“Women’s rights advocacy groups arecalling theSupreme Court’soverturningofRoe v. Wade thecatalyst forthe suppressionofreproductive healthinformation on social media,” ProjectCensorednoted.“Hashtags for#mifepristone and#misoprostol, twodrugs used in medicalabortions, were hidden on Instagram afterthe Dobbsdecision, theWMC reported,” as part of awider pattern.
“U.S.state legislatures arecurrently consideringbanning access to telehealthabortioncare,”Project Censored noted. “Furthermore,CNN reported that ‘atthe endof2023, nine states whereabortionremained legalstill hadrestrictedtelehealth abortionsinsomeway.’ ”
Thereare similarcensorship problems with Meta andGoogle worldwide, accordingtoaMarch 2024 report by theCenterfor CounteringDigital Hate (CCDH) andMSI Reproductive Choices, whichprovides contraceptionand abortion services in 37 countries. This sparkeda Guardian articlebyWeronikaStrzyżyńska.“In Africa,Facebookisthe go-toplace for reproductive health informationfor many women,”MSI’s global marketing manager, WhitneyChinogwenya,told theGuardian. “Wedealwitheverythingfrommenopause to menstruation,but we find that allour contentis censored.” Sheexplained that “Meta viewed reproductive health content through‘an American lens,’ ”the Guardian reported,“applying socially conservative U.S. values to postspublished in countrieswithprogressive policies such as SouthAfrica, where abortion on requestislegal in thefirst 20 weeksofpregnancy.”
Weekend Specials
December 6- 8
Spicy cheddarchicken biscuit with baconegg andhashbrowns
Spicy cheddarbacon chickensandwich with friesonbun
Lamb chops with garlic mash andveg
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Chorizoempanadas
Seafoodgumbo with friedcatfishfor lunch andfried redfish fordinner
Creole peppersteak with yellowrice
Abor tion disinformation is also a threat —par ticularlythe promotion of “crisispregnancy centers” or CPCs whichmasquerade as reproductive health care clinicsbut discourageratherthanprovide abor tion services.WMC reported on theJune 2023 CCDH report which“found that CPCs spentover$10 millionon Google Search adsfor theirclinics over thepasttwo years.”Google claimedtohave“removedpar ticular ads,”saidCallumHood, CCDH’s head of research,“buttheydid not take action on thesystemicissues with fake clinic ads.”
“Women’s rights organizations andreproductivehealthadvocates have been forced to squander scarce resourcesfightingthissor tofdisinformationonline,”Project Censored noted, whichhas gotten some coverage, but“as of June 2024,corporate coverage of abor tion censorship has been limited.”
Global forest protec tion goals at risk
Assessment,OliviaRosanereported forCommonDreamsinOctober 2023.The goal wasannounced to greatfanfare at the2021U.N summit in Glasgow, butthe failureof follow-through hasreceivedalmost no notice.
Thesamemonth,the WorldWildlife Fund issued itsfirst Forest Pathways Report,inwhich it warned “the two largesttropicalforests areatriskof reaching tippingpoints. This would releasebillionsoftonnesofcarbon andhavedevastating consequences.”
Theproblem is money, according to thereport. “Weare investinginactivities that areharmful forforests at farhigherrates than we areinvesting in activities that arebeneficialfor forests,” thecoordinator of thereport, Erin Matson,toldCommonDreams. To meet theU.N.’s2030goalwould require$460billion annually,accordingtothe report,but only $2.2 billion is beinginvested. Meanwhile, more than 100times as much public financeis“committedtoactivitiesthat have thepotential to drivedeforestation or forest degradation,”known as “gray” finance, thereportexplained. Whilethe overallpicture is dark, notall countriesare failing. “Wellover 50 countriesare on tracktoeliminate deforestationwithintheir borders by 2030,” thereportnoted In herarticle,Gagen emphasized four keyrecommendations:(1) Accelerate therecognitionofIndig-
enouspeoples andlocal communities’right to ownand manage their lands, territoriesand resources. (2) Providemoremoney,bothpublicand private, to supportsustainable forest economies. (3)Reformthe rulesof global tradethatharmforests,getting deforestingcommodities outofglobal supply chains,and removing barriers to forest-friendlygoods,and (4)Shift toward nature-based and bioeconomies.
Corporatemedia in theU.S.ignored both reports, though onestory in theWashingtonPostdiscussed the subjectthe monthafter both reports were issued,but “madenodirect referencetoeither of them,” Project Censored summarized.Incontrast, “International outlets, including Germany’sDWand France 24,a state-ownedtelevisionnetwork,did producesubstantive reportsbased on theForestDeclaration Assessment.”
billionayearbribing people to join,” journalist andveteran Rosa delDuca explained. Nonetheless,2022was theworst year forrecruitment since 1973,whenthe draftwas abolished. That’s thebackgroundtothe story
Alan MacLeodreportedfor MintPress News aboutthe military “using e-girls to recruitGen Zintoservice.”
WhileMacLeod also dealswith theArmysponsoringYouTube stars —maleand female —to“join”for aday as part of wholespectrumof socialmedia efforts, hismainsubject is Army PsychologicalOperations Specialist Hailey Lujan, whoseonline videos feature“sexuallysug gestive contentalongside subtle (and sometimesnot-so-subtle)calls to join up,” Macleodreports.“The21-year-old makescontent extollingthe funof Army life to her 731,000 TikTok followers.‘Don’tgotocollege,become afarmerora soldierinstead,’ she instructsviewers in arecentvideo ‘Justsomeadvicefor theyounger people:Ifyou’renot doingschool, it’s OK.Idropped outofcollege.And I’m doinggreat,’ sheadds.”
ProjectCensorednoted,“Lujan’s videos seeminglyviolatethe code of conductofthe image-consciousU.S. military,and it is unclearwhatrole themilitaryhas in producingLujan’s content.”But that ambiguityispartof theallure.
“Thereare many active-dutyservice memberswithlarge socialmedia followings,but what makesLujan standout is heroffbeat,Gen-Z style humorand howshe leansintothe idea that sheisamilitarypropaganda operation,”Macleod writes.“With videos titled ‘Myhandlersmademe post this’, “’Notendorsedbythe DoD :3’or‘most wholesomefedpost’, she revels in layers of ironyand appears to enjoythe whole‘am Ioraren’tI’ question that people in herreplies and mentions constantly debate.”
“Lujan is notthe only online military influencer,but her overtuse of her sensuality andher constant encouragementofher followersto enlist make hernoteworthy.”Project Censored noted. “She is usingher femininity to recruitlegions of lustful teensintoaninstitution with an infamous record of sexism andsexual assaultagainst female soldiers.” MacLeodwrote
“The branches of theU.S.military arenostrangertopartnerships with entertainmentgiantsthattraditionally engage viewersfromall walksof life —asinarmed forces’partnerships with theNationalFootballLeague. Butthisnew attempttoappealto nicheyouth audienceshas notbeen scrutinized,”Project Censored said “Itisnow well-established (ifnot well-known)thatthe Department of Defensealsofieldsagiant clandes-
tine army of at least60,000people whosejob it is to influencepublic opinion, themajoritydoing so from theirkeyboards,” MacLeodreported, adding that a2021Newsweekexposé “warnedthatthistroll army waslikely breaking both domestic andinternational law.”
As of May2024, ProjectCensored reported “nonew coverage on this specific instance”thatappears to take such lawbreakingtoa newlevel
Newfederal rule limits transcript withholding
MORETHAN SIXMILLION STUDENTSHAVE“STRANDED CREDITS” duetothe practice of colleges anduniversitieswithholding students’transcriptstoforce them to repayloandebts.But anew federal Department of Educationregulation will make withholdingmoredifficult, SarahButrymowicz andMeredith Kolodner reported forThe Hechinger Report in December 2023.Transcript withholding“hasbecomea growing
tors,” they wrote. “Critics saythatit makesitharderfor students to earn a degree or geta job, whichwould allow them to earn enough to paybacktheir debts. Butthe system of oversightis patchwork; no single federalagency bans it,state rulesvaryand thereare significant challenges with monitoring thepractice.”
Therulewas part of apackage also intended to “strengthen theU.S. Department of Education’sability to protectstudentsand taxpayersfrom thenegativeeffects of sudden college closures,” theDOE said in apress release. It went into effect in July 2024 Specifically,itpreventswithholding a transcript forterms in whicha student received federalfinancial aidand paid offthe balancefor theterm.
“AsKatherine Knottreportedfor Inside Higher Education. thenew policy is part of aset of regulations intended to enhancethe DOE’s oversightofinstitutionsbyproviding additional toolstoholdall colleges accountable,”Project Censored explained. “But theseprotections do notapply to institutions that accept no federalstudent aid, includingmanyfor-profitcolleges.”
However, “The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,isalsoinvestigatingtranscriptwithholding,which the Bureau hasdeemedabusive because thepracticeis‘designed to gain leverageoverborrowers andcoercethem into making payments.’ ”
“It’sahugestepforward,and it’s really goingtobenefit alot of people,” Martin Kurzweil,anofficialatconsultingfirmIthakaS+R,toldKnott.The firm firstidentifiedthe problemina paperthree yearsago.Hecalledthe decision “stunning,”given it wasjust threeyears sincehis firm identified theproblem.“That’s lightningspeed in policy terms,”hetoldKnott.“It speaks to thesalienceofthisissue and unfairness in transcript withholding. I commendthe EducationDepartment fortakingthissoseriously.” Practically, it’s essentiallyanationalban, he added. “I suspectthatfor alot of institutions,it’ll be more troublethan it’s worthtotry to carveoff atermthat wascompleted butnot fullypaidfor. It’llbeadministrativelydifficult.”
Anotherexpert—EdwardConroy, a senior policy advisoratthe NewAmericathink tank —toldThe HechingerReport somethingsimilar:thatitprobably helpsall students,not just ones getting federalaid.“It wouldn’t completely surprise me if oneofthe institutional reactionswas,‘We’rejustgoing to stop doingthisperiod,’” Conroy told them. “The number of students whoare payingcompletelyout of pocket isn’tthat big; youdon’t want to have separate administrative systems.”
Corporatenewscoveragehas been limitedasofMay 2024,Project Censored noted. Therehas been only limitedcorporate news coverage of the transcript withholdingrule.
Controversial acquittedconduc tsentencing challengedby
U.S. Commission
YOUMIGHT BE SURPRISED— EVEN SHOCKED— to learn that federal judges candetermine defendants’ sentencesbased on chargesthey’ve been acquittedofbyajury. Butin April2024, theUnitedStatesSentencingCommission(USSC)— a bipartisan panelthatcreates guidelinesfor thefederal judiciary— voted to endthe practice as it appliesto “calculating asentencerange under thefederal guidelines.”
Thechangewillsignificantlylimit federaljudges’ useofacquitted-conduct sentencing,asthe legalnews serviceLaw360and Reason magazine reported.The commission voted unanimously “toprohibitjudgesfrom usingacquitted conducttoincrease thesentences of defendants whoreceivemixed verdicts at trial,”Stewart Bishop reported forLaw360, butwas “divided”onwhether itsproposal oughttoapply retroactively. Thereare stillnarrowcircumstances where suchconductcan be considered if it underliesachargethe defendant is foundguiltyofaswellasthe acquittedcrime
Acquittedconduct hadbeenallowed underalower standard —ifthe judge foundthe chargesmorelikelytruth than not, rather than thejury’sstandard of “beyonda reasonable doubt.”
It’s “a practicethathas drawn condemnation from awiderange of civilliber ties groups,lawmakers,and jurists,”C.J.Ciaramellarepor tedfor Reason,which in turn has“raised defendants’scoresunder thefederal sentencing guidelines,leading to significantly longer prison sentences.”
Butnow,“Notguiltymeans not guilty,” chairofthe USSC,U.S.DistrictJudge Carlton W. Reeves,said in apress release. “Byenshriningthis basicfactwithinthe federalsentencingguidelines, theCommissionistakinganimpor tant step to protectthe credibilityofour cour ts andcriminal justicesystem.”
ProjectCensorednoted that “Acquitted-conductsentencing partly explains whytwo Blackmen from Virginia,Terence Richardson andFerrone Claiborne, have been servinglifesentences forthe murder of police of ficerAllen Gibson in 1998 despitebeing foundnot guilty by a federal jury in 2001,” acasewhose reconsiderationhas been reported on repeatedly by MegO’Connor at TheAppeal. Theinitial travesty of justiceinthiscasewas that police hidexoneratingevidencefromtheir original attorneys, andbecause of that,theypledguiltytolesserstate charges. That wasthenusedtogive them life sentencesinfederal cour t, even though they were acquittedof murder in that trial. Still, it’s possible that Richardson couldbereleased from prison
There’sbeenlittlecorporate media coverage.Project Censored citedone storyin BloombergLaw,but nothing in theNew York Timesnor theWashington Post as of June 2024
Generative AI apps raise serious security concerns
GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) APPS CARRY CONSIDERABLE RISKS, some poorly understood,which canresultin exposing sensitivedataand exposing organizationstoattacks from bad actors.Inresponse, both government andbusinesseshavetaken stepsto limitorevenblock AI access to data Congress “onlypermits lawmakers andstaff to access ChatGPTPlus, a paid versionofthe appwithenhanced privacyfeatures, andforbids them from usingother AI apps or pasting blocks of text that have notalready been made public into theprogram,” ProjectCensorednoted.Afollow-up regulation banned theuse of Microsoft’s CopilotAIongovernment-issueddevices.And theNational Archives andRecords Administration is even more restrictive. In May2024, it “completelyprohibitedemployeesfromusing ChatGPTatwork andblocked allaccesstothe appon agency computers.”What’smore, “Samsung decidedtoban itsemployees’ useofgenerativeAIapps(and developits ownAIapplication)inMay 2023 aftersomeusers accidentally leaked sensitivedatavia ChatGPT,” PriyaSingh reported forBusiness TodayinApril 2024.
Programs such as ChatGPTand Copilotare builtbya training process that collects andorganizes data which canberegurgitatedinresponseto just asnippet of text.Theyare then “aligned”withanadded layeroftrainingtoproduce helpfuloutput—which is what ordinary usersnormallysee. Butsomething as simple as asking ChatGPTtorepeata word endlessly
cancause it to breakalignment andreveal potentiallysensitive data,Tiernan Rayreportedfor ZDNetinDecember 2023.Researchers from Google’s DeepMind AI research labfound that ChatGPT“couldalsobemanipulated to reproduceindividuals’names,phone numbers, andaddresses,which is a violationofprivacy with potentially seriousconsequences,”hereported. “Withour limitedbudgetof$200USD, we extractedover10,000unique examples,” theresearcherswrote “However,anadversary whospends more moneytoquery theChatGPT API couldlikelyextract farmoredata.”
Andwhile training data itself canhold sensitiveinformation,users areconstantlyaddingnew sensitivedatathat canalsobeexposed.Inanarticle for tech news site ZDNet, Eileen Yu cited asurveyofsome11,500employees in theU.S., Europe,and Asia which foundthat“57%ofemployees used public generative AI toolsinthe office at leastonceweekly, with 22.3%using thetechnologydaily,” andthat“3% of employeespolledadmittedentering sensitiveinformation such as addresses andbanking detailsfor customers, confidential HR data,and proprietary companyinformation into publicly accessible AI programs (and another 5% were unsure if they haddoneso).”
“Corporate mediahavegiven alot of breathless coverage to theexistential threat to humanity allegedlyposed by AI,” ProjectCensorednotes.“Yetthese outletshavebeenfar less attentiveto AI apps’documenteddatasecurity risksand vulnerabilitytohackers, issues that have been given exhaustive coverage by smaller, tech-focused news outlets.”
Paul RosenbergisaCalifornia-based writer/activist, senior editor forRandomLengths News,and acolumnist forAlJazeera Englishand Salon.
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Cool beans
of RedBeans opensacafeatBeanlandia
FIRSTTIMERSTOMUY PWA ,the new cafe at Beanlandia in Bywater, arein forabig surprise
Therestaurantinthe Kreweofred Beans’ communityhub andbean museum transforms thehumble legume into thecornerstoneofaglobally informed,sophisticated menu
That’s becausechefMaya Mastersson is commanding the kitchen.When sheheard that Beanlandia waslooking forachef, the starsseemedtoalign with hermany talents. She’sawhirlwind of creativity, whether sheismarchinginthe IntergalacticKrewe of chewbacchus’ sub-kreweWomen of Wakanda, performing asongfrom“cabaret” at a socialjustice charityevent or creating culinary experiencesthatsee the Africandiasporathrough anew lens.
“I waslooking forsomething that wouldberewarding andfulfilling, and also do some good,” says theDetroit native.“That’s noteasytofindina chef’s job.”
Shewasn’tinterestedina regular restaurant setting. “I’ve been done with that fora long time,” shesays.
Mastersson jugglesmultipleprojects underher companyumbrella, Black roux culinary collective.Theyinclude catering,working on film sets,leading culinarytours andstaging herregular SOUL Supperclubevents.
“Itwas aslowsummer,”she says.“I wasrandomlythinkingthatitwould be cool to find achefjob in anonprofit.Thatway,Icould stillcookwith my hear tbut be apar tofsomething that does some good.Then this job came along.”
Mastersson wasfamiliarwiththe Kreweofred Beans’ pandemic relief initiatives, Feed theFront Line and Feed theSecondLine. Butshe didn’t know founderDevin DeWulf or the scopeofthe group’scommunity and cultural outreach
“When Icametomyfirst interview, Ifound outmoreabout thenonprofit,” shesays. “About initiatives like GetLit,StayLit,which provides solarmicrogridstorestaurants Iwas impressed.”
by Beth D’Addono |
Asfor thechallenge of usingbeans in everydish, shesunkher teethright into that
“I love to research;I love history,” shesays. “I’d alreadymadesomeof thedishesfor my supper club.SOUL looksatthe cuisinedeveloped by captiveAfricansand theirdescendants in the17thand 18th centuries. Beans played abig role in that cuisine.”
Thecafe’snameisa bitofbean whimsy,startingwithMuy being “yum”spelled backward,a nodto DeWulf’s son’swishthatthe cafe be namedSuper HappyYum Yum. Pwais theHaitian Kreyol word forbeans
Mastersson researched hundreds of bean speciesbeforedesigning MuyPwa’s menu,which hopscotches throughgeography andcultures. each dish features at leastone andasmany as four typesofbeans.There arebean desserts andevenbeancocktails. Many of thedishesare gluten-freeand vegetarian,and some arevegan. redbeansand rice arecrisped into Sicilian-style arancini,served with crystalremoulade on theside. Mastersson’s creative riff on an Italian
panzanella saladstars her pickledgigantebeans, freshcroutons anda confit garlic vinaigrette made with oliveoil andseasoned rice vinegar.
Hummus is madefromblack garbanzosand served with vegetables andhouse-madetoasted sweetpotatoand lentil baguette. Andthere’sa West Africanfried pigeon-pea fritterwithanherb salad, andGhanian bambara beans, or groundnuts,slowbaked with plantains,tomatoand spice.
Main dishes rangefrom asmoky duck feijoada to a smoked bean BLT. There’s greenpea tortellini with royal redshrimpand an outstanding miso-braised shor trib with smoked tomato grav y, green bean gremolata, peatipsand a whippedbutterbeanpuree.
Food is served on beautifulstoneware plates,and drinks arrive in handblownglasses,sourced from women’s collectivesinGhana andIndia.“We are paying alittlemore, butit’spartofour mission, to supportthese communities,” shesays.
Mastersson learnedabout cooking andgrowing food from hergrandmother.After earning herculinaryarts andmanagementdegreeatBaltimore Internationalcollege,she startedexploringglobalcuisinesinplaceslikeSeattle, Greece,Peruand Bangkok. Sheworked in catering,hotelsand restaurantsbefore settling in NewOrleans sixyears ago.
Although shehadn’timaginedherself as abean-focusedchef, it’s arole she’sembraced.
“Myintention is to celebratethe many ways beanshavebeenusedin differentculturesand regionsaround this world,”Masterssonsays. “An ingredient like miso hastraveledfrom whereitoriginatedinJapan to howit’s used todayissomanyways.”
Thecuisine shecreates is intended to evokeemotion andbediscussed “I thinkthisisimportant,” shesays. “That’swhy I’mdoing it.”
Reveillon specials
AMID ALLTHE SOCIAL ANDFAMILY
TR ADITIONS THIS TIMEOFYEAR , NewOrleans of fers oneofits own across thediningscene. reveillonarriveseachDecember as aseasonofdestination dining built around specialholiday menus. More than 50 restaurantsare taking part this year,alternately drawinginspiration from French creole tradition, theirown housetraditions, contemporary styles andchristmas food motifs reveillonisderived from theFrench word for“awakening,”and in New Orleansitwas originally afeast,often buffet style, served in thehomes of catholic families aftermidnightMasson christmaseve.
Thecustomall butdiedout as the 20th centurybrought more American modesofchristmas to NewOrleans Butinthe 1990s, reveillonitself wasrevived andtransformed.Now reveillontakes placeinrestaurants as multi-course,prixfixedinners.
Theserun throughthe month.
restaurantsserving reveillonmenus also have theirregular alacarte menusavailable.Notethatsomerestaurants suspend reveillonservice on some combinationof christmasDay andNew Year’s Dayand both eves.All of themenus andservice dates arepostedonneworleans.com. reveillonmenus have aset price, butthere is no limittothatprice.This year some restaurantsare pushingthe envelope with increasingly extravagant mealsresemblingchef’s tastingmenus That’s thecaseatrestaurantAugust, whichonceagain owns thehighend with sevencourses that startwithafruits de merplatter andrun throughcaviar, pompano, duck,A5Wagyu beef andtwo desserts before ringinginat$185per person (and that’s withoutdrinks)
Jack Rose restaurant at thePontchartrain HoteloffersaReveillon meal.
TheKrewe
Chef Maya Mastersson at MuyPwa
Santa with aSecond Line
Santarides in agolfcar tthrowinggoodies,followed by asecondlinewiththe Musicians &Ment BrassBand,stopping at businesses particip in theHomeG rown Holidays activities
Tuesday, December 31,12midnight
NewYear’sEve FireworksonRiver Gather on theAlgiers leveetowatch the annualfireworks display.
commander’sPalacealwaysmakes alavishmenufor reveillon, andthis time it’s five courses, includingfoie gras andabison entree,at$135.
At theother endofthe spectrum are amix of casual restaurantsembracing reveillonand some upscaleplaces packagingbargains
In that firstcategory, Suzie’s SoulhouseSoulfoodrestaurantin centralcityhas themostaffordable menu (fourcourses,$40)including a choice of twogumbos, stewed chicken or catfishand sweetpotatopone. Also under$50 is Galatoire’s(four courses, $48, though this is astartingpoint; choicesrange up to $72)
Dinner maybethe main act, but some reveillonrestaurantsinvite making anight of it with apre-or post-dinner drinkstop(or both,since it is theholidaysafter all)
At Jack rose (fourcourses,$75)in thePontchartrain Hotel, dinerscould startwithanold fashionedatthe cozy andatmospheric BayouBar.After dinersfinishdirty-rice-stuffed-quailand s’morespot de cremeinthe buzzy, colorful main dining room,theycan take thesnugelevatorupstairstothe Tinroofbar andenjoy theviewofthe downtown skyline, and(should conditionscooperate)the newlightsonthe crescent city connection bridge reveillonatMissriver (four courses, $95) will setpatrons up for aone-stopbar hoparoundthe Four Seasonshotel
Miss riveritselfhas agorgeousbar in itsBelle epoque dining room,and then there’sthe chandelier Barinthe lobby(an elegantdestination in its ownright)and upstairs patronscan complete thetrifectaatthe Purple GrackleBar inside theriverfront-facingchemin àlaMer.
Location canbekey to choosing a restaurant,especiallyifitputspeople closetoother stopsonthe holiday circuit. That makesthe smattering of reveillon restaurantsinMid-citywellsuited foroutings to celebrationinthe Oaks at nearbycityPark ralph’sonthe Park is rightbythe park gateswithaheartyreveillon menu (fourcourses,$75), with gumbo, blackenedredfish andalsosteak au poivre before thesatsuma icebox pie. Just down esplanadeAvenue, cafe Degas(four courses, $52) goes very French this year,withsalad served afterthe entrée anda glassofport afterdessert.
Many people have builtreveillon traditions around dining outwith asmall group, reunitingduringthe season.Somemenus areparticularly well suited forthese outings. costeraservesafamily-styletour of itsmodernSpanish menu (four
courses, $75).Dinerspickcourses from across avariety of dishes;that meansacoupleorlargergroup can enjoya wide sampling of themenu.
Thesameformatistranslatedinto regional Italianatits nearbysisterrestaurant,Osteria Lupo (fourcourses,$65).
Anew addition to reveillonthis year is AddisNOLA(four courses, $60) wherethe traditionalstyle of ethiopiandiningplays outwithshared platters served family style.
Some restaurantsjustfeelnaturally alignedwithholiday ambiance,and I
always getthatatJewel of theSouth ThemodernBritish menu canreadlike aDickens tale translated througha contemporary kitchen. This year ham hock in broth, angels on horseback (bacon-wrapped stuffeddates), turkey confit pieand traditionalBritish christmasmakethe reveillonmenu (fourcourses,$90).
ThemenuatGabrielle (fourcourses, $62) that starts with beef daubepie is speaking thesamelanguage, with a course of she-crab bisque forhearty good measure.
Arnaud’s delves into itsown culinary traditions forreveillon,withamenu (fourcourses,$70)thatstartswith daubeglace,a creole throwback, and scallops St.Jacques.Thisisalsowhen therestaurantcontinues anewer holiday tradition— itsannualTeddy Bear Drive, in partnership with theNew OrleansPolice&Justice Foundation.
Theprogram collects newteddy bears, whichwillbedonated to thepolicedepartment forofficers to give to children whohavebeen traumatized. Bringanew bear along when youdinefor reveillonorvisit its French 75 barfor cocktails.
Theteddy bear drivecontinues throughDec.31. Arnaud’s is one drop-off site.Othersare theNOPJF of fice at 320Metairie-Hammond Highway, theNew Orleans&co. of fice at 2020 St.charles Ave., andNOPDheadquartersat 1615 PoydrasSt. —Ian McNulty/ TheTimes-Picayune
Create a startupina weekendand pitch to win prizemoney!
Sponsoredby:
Adessert is prepared tableside at Arnaud’s Restaurant.
Shawn Wee
chef
by Will Coviello
SHAWN WEEPLAYS GUITAR,FIDDLE AND HARMONICA andper formed with SlickSkillet Serenaders andother bandsbeforelaunching hisramen cart,Wukongramen.Originallyfrom Singapore, he drawsonanarray of Asiancuisinesand flavors, butprimarily focusesontraditional Japanese ramens.Hebuilt hisramen cart and wheels it to weekly appearancesat AllWaysLoungeonSundaynights (7-11p.m.),Mondaylate-nights (11 p.m.-1:30a.m.) at St.rochTavern andmonthly events at Seacave. His next nightatSea cave is Dec. 20.For more information, see@wukong ramenonInstagram
Howdid you getintocooking?
SHAWNWEE: Iwas born in Singapore, andImoved to thestates when Iwas 4. Igrewupinnor theast Ohio,south of cleveland. My mom cooked alot,and shewas allabout thehawkerstandsinSingapore Therewas alot of chineseand Indian food in my housegrowing up.My grandfather hadanoodlestall fora shor ttime.
Iamthe middle kid. My sister,being thegirl, my momkepther closeand wanted to pass on everything to her. ButIended up gettingall that stuff instead. Igrewupwithher showingme stuff. Butcooking wasn’t abig deal to me untilIgot older.
Growingup, visual ar ts wasmy thing. Iwenttoschoolatthe Ar t Institute of Pittsburgh.But in high school,Istarted workinginpizza shops. That wasmyfirst kitchen.And Iworkedinpizza shopsthroughout college. Imoved to NewOrleans in 2010, andIworkedatMid-cityPizza andsomecafes in theMarigny.
Istarted playingjazzinmiddle school.Inhighschool, Istarted doing therock‘n’ roll thing. When Imoved down here, Ialsoplayedfiddle. Igot a lotofworkplaying fiddle andharmonica. Iwas playingFrenchmen Street andplaying on royal Street Ibecamefriendswiththe coco robicheaux crew.Hesaw me carrying an instrumentdownthe street one dayand waslike, “Hey kid, come over here.” We hung outand they found outIplayedharmonica,and they gave me agig Wednesdaynight at the AppleBarrel.
Howdid you startyourpop-up?
W: cookinghad alwaysbeenonthe side.A couple of yearsbeforecovid, Iwas talkingtomyex. Ididn’twantto giganymore.She waslike, “You should cook.” Iwas like,you want me to stop playingmusic to cook?That’sridiculous. Then Idrewacartonanapkin, andI realized Icould do it.InJapan,theyhad been doingthatfor ahundred years. So Istarted making designsfor thecart. It runs on propaneand electricity. It’s a mobile thing. Iwalkitaroundtown. Butcovid delayedeverything. Iended up goingtocaliforniaand workingin ramenshops.But Icame back aftera year andstarted working at Unionramen foracoupleyears.I left in Januarytogofulltimewiththis. It wasmeant to be aJapaneseramen stall. Theideawas to useJapanese cuisinetointroduce awider spectrum of Asiancuisines. Iwantedtoexpand on theideaofwhatAsian food is.It’s hard beingfromSingapore becauseit’s notjustone thing.
Istarted doingramen,but Ireally wanted to do wokfoodand wild SoutheastAsian stuff. So Istopped doingramen.The wokfoodisgreat Iwas doingdrunken noodlesand steamedstuff,likeshumaidumplings andbao.It’salsoa greatshowtoo AfterIgot comfortablewiththat, I broughtbackthe ramen. IfeltlikeIhad thefreedom to do more of what Iwant. Itookthe summer to experiment with stuff. Nowwe’re bringing theramen back,and Iamlooking at diving into thoseflavors
What areyou serving?
W: Iammovingthrough thebasics this year:ashoyu ramen, amiso ramen, atonkotsuramen.I didsome experimentingwithduckshoyu ramen,
butthe main thingIamfocusingon with that is niboshitare, becauseI don’tthink there’senoughofa fish element to what’s gettingput out. Niboshi is adried sardineoranchovy. Iamworking on themisoramen right now. Iamgoing througha different oneevery month, at leastthrough the festival season.eventuallyIwantto make that amisoudon.
Youhavefourbasic ramens:shio, miso, shoyuand tonkotsu ramen. In Japan, the shoyuramen is themainone.Tonkotsu is more popularinAmerica becauseofits creaminess andheartiness. Thetonkotsu I’ll bringbackatthe endofDecemberor January. Iamgoing to highlighteachone, andthenIamgoing to startpersonalizing them andmakingthemspecial.Shiois more of asummertimething.That’sthe last oneonmylist.
IamstartingtoworkwithSea cave Idid theopening forthem. Therewere aton of people there. Ihadn’tdone rameninayear, andI also didgyoza. They arehandmadeand they’regreat.I dida pork,shrimpand cabbagegyoza. We made them from scratch. Isoldout. eventually it will be an amalgamation of Japanese,Southeast Asianand Southern American.Atthe endofthe day, Iam more American than anything else
When Iwas talkingtomyformer chef,there happenedtobeaJapanese womanthere.Iwas workingonmy miso,soIwas like,whatdoyou think aboutthis? Shesaidwhereshe is from, offthe southern coastofJapan,they have alobster ramenthere.There’s aspecifictypeoflobster miso,made with atypeoflobster that livesthere. It actually tastes alot like crawfish.She said youshouldmakecrawfishmiso. So when it’s crawfish season again, Imay do that.crawfishisagreat Southern Asianand Southern American medium There’ssomuchtheretoworkwith.
WI NE OF TH E WEEK
Fresh,clean, citrus, mineral and GrannySmith apple aromas with toasted bread notes makethis agreat example of Cava.
DI ST RIB UTED BY
PH OT OP ROVI DE DBYS HAWN WE E
Poema Brut
Holiday Entertainment
Getyourtickets nowto ourpopul ar holiday programs including thenew Victor yBelles Ring in theSea sonshow.
Extendyourstayonthe Museum campus with special Papa Noel ratesand holiday Reveillondinners at TheHig gins Hotel&ConferenceCenter. Vi sithigginshotelnola.com.
Out to eatisanindexofGambit contract advertisers. Unlessnoted,addressesare forNew Orleans and all accept credit cards. Updates:email willc@gambitweekly.com or call (504)483-3106
AngeloBrocato’s 214N.CarrolltonAve., (504)486 -1465;angelobrocatoicecream. com— This Mid-city sweetshopservesits owngelato, spumoni, Italianices, cannolis, biscotti,fig cookies, tiramisu,macaroons andmore. Therealsoare coffee drinks No reservations.Lunch anddinner Tue.-Sun. $
Annunciation 1016 Annunciation St., (504)568-0245; annunciationrestaurant. com— Gulf Drum Yvonne is served with brownbuttersauce with mushroomsand artichokehearts. Therealsoare seafood pastadishes, steaks,lambchops andmore. reservations recommended. Dinner Thu.-Mon. $$$
Bamboula’s 514FrenchmenSt.;bamboulasmusic.com— Thelivemusic venue’s kitchen offers amenuoftraditional andcreativecreoledishes, such as creole crawfish crepes with goat cheese andchardonnay sauce. reservations accepted.Lunch, dinner andlate-nightdaily $$
TheBlueCrabRestaurantand Oyster Bar— 118HarborViewCourt,Slidell,(985) 315-7001;7900Lakeshore Drive, (504) 284-2898;thebluecrabnola.com Basin barbecue shrimp areservedwithrosemary garlic butter sauceovercheesegritswitha cheese biscuit. Themenuincludespo-poys, friedseafood platters,raw andchar-grilled oysters, boiled seafoodinseason, andmore. Outdoorseating available. No reservations Lakeview:Lunch anddinner Tue.-Sun Slidell: LunchWed.-Fri.,dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun $$
Broussard’s— 819Conti St., (504)5813866;broussards.com— rainbowtrout amandine is served with tassoand corn macque chouxand creole meuniere sauce. Brunch includes Benedicts,chicken and wafflesand more.reservationsrecommended.Outdoor seatingavailable. Dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$ Cafe Normandie— HigginsHotel,480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941;higginshotelnola.com/dining The menu combinesclassic French dishes andLouisiana itemslikecrabbeignetswithherbaioli Sandwiches includepo-boys,amuffuletta on flatbreadand aburger. No reservations Breakfastand lunchMon.-Sat.,dinner Fri.-Mon $$
TheCommissary— 634OrangeSt.,(504) 274-1850;thecommissarynola.com— A smoked turkey sandwich is served with bacon,tomatojam,herbedcream cheese, arugulaand herbvinaigrette on honeyoat bread. The menu includes dips,salads, sandwiches,boudinballs,fried oystersand more.Noreservations. Outdoorseating available. LunchTue.-Sat. $$ Curio— 301Royal St., (504)717-4198; curionola.com— The creative creole menu includes blackenedGulfshrimpservedwith chickenand andouille jambalaya. Therealso arecrabcakes,shrimpand grits, crawfish etouffee,po-boys andmore. reservations accepted.Lunch anddinner daily. $$ Dahla— 611O’Keefe Ave.,(504) 7666602;dahlarestaurant.com— Themenu includes popularThaidisheslikepad thai, drunkennoodles,curries andfried rice crispy skinnedduckbasil is prepared with
$ —average dinner entrée under$10
$$ —$11-$20
$$$ —$20-up
vegetables andThaibasil.Deliveryavailable.reservationsaccepted. Lunchand dinner Mon.-Sat $$
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. $$
Dickie Brennan’sBourbon House— 144 BourbonSt.,(504) 522-0111;bourbonhouse.com— There’sa seafoodraw bar with rawand char-broiled oysters, fish dip, crab fingers, shrimp andmore. redfishon theHalf-shell is cooked skin-onand served with crab-boiledpotatoes, frisee andlemon buerre blanc. reservations accepted.Lunch anddinner daily. $$$
Dickie Brennan’sSteakhouse 716Iberville St., (504)522-2467; dickiebrennanssteakhouse.com— The menu includes avariety of steaks,plussearedGulffish, lobsterpasta, barbecue shrimp andmore. A6-ounce filetmignonisservedwithfried oysters, creamed spinach, potatoes andbearnaise reservations recommended. Dinner =/Mon.-Sat $$$
El Pavo Real 4401 S. BroadAve., (504) 266-2022;elpavorealnola.com— Themenu includes tacos, enchiladas,quesadillas, ceviche. tamalesand more.Pescado Vera cruz features sauteedGulffishtoppedwith tomatoes,olives, onionand capers,served with rice andstringbeans.Outdoor seating available. No reservations.Lunch andearly dinner Tue.-Sat. $$
Juan’s Flying Burrito— 515Baronne St., (504)529-5825; 2018 Magazine St., (504) 569-0000;4724S.CarrolltonAve., (504)486 -9950; 8140 OakSt.,(504) 897-4800;juansflyingburrito.com The FlyingBurritoincludessteak,shrimp, chicken, cheddarjackcheese, blackbeans, rice,guacamole andsalsa.The menu also includes tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, fajitas, nachos,saladsand more.Outdoor seatingavailable.Noreservations. 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 $$ Legacy Kitchen’sCraft Tavern 700 Tchoupitoulas St., (504)613-2350; legacykitchen.com Themenuincludes oysters, flatbreads,burgers,sandwiches, salads anda NOL AStyle GritsBowltopped
with bacon, cheddarand apoached eg g. reservations accepted.Breakfast,lunch anddinnerdaily $$ Legacy KitchenSteak &Chop— 91 Westbank Expressway,Gretna, (504) 513-2606;legacykitchen.com Themenu includes filets mignonsand bone-inribeyes,aswellasburgers,saladsand seafood dishes.reservationsaccepted. Outdoor seatingavailable. Lunchand dinner Mon.-Sat $$ LuzianneCafe— 481Girod St., (504)2651972;luziannecafe.com— Boudin Benedict features twopoached eg gs over boudin and an englishmuffin, served with greentomato chow chow andhollandaise.Noreservations. Delivery available. Breakfastand lunchWed.-Sun. $$ Mikimoto — 3301 S. Carrollton Ave.,(504) 488-1881;mikimotosushi.com TheSouth carrollton roll includes tuna tataki,avocado andsnowcrab. Themenualsohas noodle dishes,teriyakiand more.reservations accepted.Deliveryavailable. LunchSun.Fri.,dinnerdaily $$ Mosca’s— 4137 Highway90West, Westwego,(504) 436-8950;moscasrestaurant.com This family-style eatery serves Italiandishesand specialtiesincluding chickenalagrande, shrimp Mosca, baked oystersMosca andchicken cacciatore reservations accepted.Dinner Wed.-Sat cash only $$$
Mother’s Restaurant 401Poydras St., (504)523-9656; mothersrestaurant.net— This counter-servicespotservespo-boys dressedwithslicedcabbage andcreole favoriteslikejambalaya,crawfishetouf fee, redbeans andriceand more.Breakfast is availableall day. Delivery available. No reservations.Breakfast,lunch and dinner daily. $$
Neyow’sCreoleCafe— 3332 BienvilleSt., (504)827-5474; neyows.com The menu includes redbeans andricewithfried chickenorporkchops,aswellasshrimp creole,seafood platters,po-boys,chargrilledand rawoysters,saladsand more Side itemsinclude carrot souffle, macand cheese,cornbread dressing,sweet potato tots andmore. No reservations.Lunch daily, dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$ Nice Guys Bar& Grill— 7910 EarhartBlvd., (504)302-2404; niceguysbarandgrillnola. com— char-grilled oystersare topped with cheese andgarlicbutter, andother optionsinclude oystersrockefeller and loaded oysters. Thecreativemenualso includes seafoodbread,a cajun-lobster potato,wings,quesadillas,burgers,salads, sandwiches,seafood pasta, loaded friesand more.Noreservations. Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-Sat $$$
OrleansGrapevine Wine Bar&Bistro— 720Orleans Ave.,(504) 523-1930;orleansgrapevine.com— Thewinebar offers cheese boards andappetizerstonoshwith wines. Themenuincludescreolepasta with shrimp andandouille in tomato cream sauce. reservations accepted forlarge parties. Outdoorseating available. Dinner Thu.-Sun $$
Palace Cafe 605Canal St., (504) 523-1661;palacecafe.com— The contemporary creole menu includes crabmeat cheesecake with mushroomsand creole meuniere sauce. Outdoorseating available. reservations recommended. Breakfastand lunchWed.-Fri.,dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Sat.-Sun. $$$
Parish Grill— 4650W.Esplanade Ave.,Suite 100, Metairie,(504) 345-2878;parishgrill.com— The menu includes burgers, sandwiches,pizza andsauteed andouille with figdip,bluecheeseand toastpoints. reservations accepted.Lunch anddinner Mon.-Sat $$
PeacockRoom— KimptonHotel Fontenot, 501Tchoupitoulas St., (504)324-3073; peacockroomnola.com— At brunch,braised shortrib grilladesare served over gritswith mushrooms, apoached eg gand shaved truffle. reservations accepted.Dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sun. $$
Rosie’sonthe Roof HigginsHotel,480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining— The rooftop barhas amenuofsandwiches, burgersand smallplates. crab beignetsare madewith Gulf crabmeat andmascarponeand served with herbaioli.Noreservations. Dinner Mon.-Sat $$
Tableau 616St. PeterSt.,(504) 9343463;tableaufrenchquarter.com— The menu features traditionaland creative creole dishes.Pasta bouillabaissefeatures squidink mafaldine, littleneck clams, Gulf shrimp,squid,seafood broth, rouilleand herbedbreadcrumbs.Outdoor seating availableonthe balcony. reservations recommended. Dinner Wed.-Sun., brunch Thu.-Sun $$$
Tacklebox— 817CommonSt.,(504) 827-1651;legacykitchen.com The menu includesraw andchar-broiledoysters, seafoodplatters, po-boys, friedchicken, crab andcornbisqueand more.redfish St charlesisservedwithgarlic-herbbutter, asparagus, mushroomsand crawfish cornbread. reservations accepted.Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily. $$
Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza— 1212 S. ClearviewParkway,Elmwood, (504)733-3803; 2125 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie,(504) 510-4282;4024 CanalSt.,(504) 302-1133;4218Magazine St., (504)894-855 4; 70488Highway 21, Covington,(985) 234-9420;theospizza. com— AMarilynnPotaSupreme pieis topped with mozzarella,pepperoni, sausage, hamburger, mushrooms, bell peppersand onions.Therealsoare salads, sandwiches,wings,breadsticks andmore. Delivery available. Lunchand dinner Tue.-Sat $
Tito’s Ceviche& Pisco— 1433 St.Charles Ave.,(504) 354-1342;5015MagazineSt., (504)267-7612; titoscevichepisco.com—
The Peruvian menu includes severaltypes of ceviche, as well as steakand seafooddishes. Traditionallomosaltado features sauteed beef tenderloin tips,onions, tomatoes,soy sauceand pisco, served with potatoes and rice.Outdoor seatingavailable on Magazine Street.Deliveryavailable.reservations accepted.Lunch anddinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$
TheVintage — 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144;thevintagenola.com— There’sa full coffee drinks menu andbaked goodsand beignets,aswellasafullbar.The menu has flatbreads,cheeseboards, smallplatesand apressed veggie sandwich with avocado, onions,arugula,red pepper andpepper jack cheese.Noreservations. Delivery and outdoorseating available. Breakfast, lunch anddinner daily. $$
Sand | Ash | Heat
ON VI EW TH RO UG H FEB RUARY1 0, 20 25
MauriceMarinot Bottle, c. 1926, Museum purchase, WilliamMcDonald Bolesand EvaCarol BolesFund, 2004.40.a,.b ©Merat Troyes
LPO’snexthappy hour show takes placeat6p.m.Tuesday,Dec.10, at Tipitina’s andwill featureperformances by theLPO’s brassand string quintets, theelectricAndersons,LPO Academy students andmembers of theband Johnny Sketch andthe DirtyNotes. Ticketsare $20via lpomusic.com
BeauSoleilavec
MichaelDoucet
Cajunfiddler MichaelDoucetand his Grammy-winning band BeauSoleil performabayou christmasconcert on Wednesday, Dec. 11,atSt. Louis cathedralaspartofthe church’s holidayconcert series.The concertstarts at 6p.m.and is free to attend.Find more info at holiday.neworleans.com
TheMountain Goats
Notexactly asoloproject,the Mountain Goats at timeswas solely guitarist, keyboardistand founderJohnDarnielle, andatother timeshewas joined by numerous membersoverthe years. The indiefolkproject originally preferred low-fi recordings,but it’s evolvedover more than 20 albums.It’smostrecentis 2023’s rock opera“JennyfromThebes,” outonNorth carolina’s Mergerecords, wherethe band is based. Singersongwriter Anna Tivelopens at 9p.m Friday,Dec.13, at Tipitina’s.Tickets $50.50 viatipitinas.com.
Herb Alpert &LaniHall
Trumpeter, pianistand songwriter Herb Alpert maybebestknown forhis earlyyearsleading theTijuanaBrass, with ebullientalbumslike“Whipped cream&Other Delights.” He hadfive albums hitNo. 1onthe BillboardHot 100inthe 1960sand 1970s, andalmost 30 chartonthe Billboard200 during his career.He’sstill releasingnew music, includinghis 50th albuminSeptember He’s on tour with hiswifeand collaborator,singerLaniHall. They perform songsfromacrosstheir careers, andthe show includes videoprojections andan audience Q&A. At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14,atJefferson Performing Arts center.Tickets $36.25 andup viaticketmaster.com.
Tunesfor Toys
Afro-Cuban funk star Cimafunk &La Tribujoinup with Troy “Trombone Shorty”Andrews andstudentsfrom theTromboneShortyAcademy for this year’s Tunesfor Toys concertat Tipitina’s.The rockingannualconcert is atoy drive, andadmission is free with thedonationofanew toy. The musicstartsat8 p.m. Thursday,Dec 12.The toys will be distributedthe
next day, 4-6p.m.atWarreneaston High School during afreeand open to thepublicevent.Findmoreinfoat tromboneshortyfoundation.org.
NOLA Noel
John Boutte,Jon Cleary,Joy Clark, SusanCowsill,LynnDrury,Handmade Momentsand ahostofother New Orleansmusicians come together Thursday,Dec.12, to celebratethe holidays andraise some moneyfor theNew OrleansMusician’sclinic. Thejoyfulnoise starts at 7p.m.at theBroadside.General admissionis $43.26 viabroadsidenola.com
‘The Nutcracker’
NewOrleans Ballet Theatrepresents theholiday classic with acastofmore than 100dancers.At7p.m.Friday, Dec. 13,2 &7p.m.Saturday, Dec. 14,and 2p.m.Sunday, Dec. 15,and continuing Dec. 20-23atOrpheum Theater. Tickets$38.50and up viaticketmaster.com.
QuarterKaleidoscope
Hosted by BK House& Gardens with theVCPORA andFrenchQuarter Journal, QuarterKaleidoscope features French Quarterresidents tellingstories aboutlifeinthe historic neighborhood.The next edition, at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11,willinclude musicalaccompaniment by singer-songwriter TeenaMay.Admission is $5 forBK Housemembers and$10 non-membersvia bkhouse.org.
HotGloss’Whobilation Drag show andcostume rave producers HotGloss throwanXXXmasparty on Friday,Dec.13, at Poor Boys with performers Virginia SlimJim,Tarah cards, Otto VonBlotto, Visqueen, eddieLockwood, La reinaand Jackie Trouble. Therealsoare DJ sets by Nico andFreak POV. Musicruns10p.m.to5 a.m.,and thedragshowisatmidnight. coveris$15.Findmoreinfoon Instagram: @hotglossparty
Lights on theLake
PontchartrainConservancy’s annual Lights on theLake includes live music, food trucks,holiday-themed drinks and activities forkids. It’s also agreat spot to watchthe West endBoatParade, whichthisyearhas more than 40 boats with lightdisplaysand costumed crews. Lights on theLaketakes place5-8 p.m. Saturday,Dec.14, at theNew canal Lighthouse.Admission is $10and free forkids5and under. Find more info at scienceforourcoast.org
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IN THe Ne WO rLe ANS Are A, VISIT
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To learn moreabout adding your event to the music calendar, please email listingsedit@gambitweekly.com
MONDAY9
BAMBOULAS — Therug cutters, 1:15 pm; Jonroniger Band, 5:30pm; Les Getrex &creole cooking,9pm
BJ’S — redBeans and cellos with Layla Mccallaand Helen Gillet, 9pm
BLUE NILE — WhereY'atBrass Band, 9pm
BROADSIDE Skerik, Mattchamberlain, MikeDillon &Brian Haas,7 pm
CAFÉ NEGRIL TheMetric System, 7pm
CAPULET — Nanci Zhang,6:30pm
DA JUMP OFF LOUNGE Big 6Brass Band, 9pm
DOSJEFES John Fohl,8:30pm
THE MAISON — TannerGus &The BraceAcorn Band, 4pm; Gene’s Music Machine, 8pm
NOLABREWING — TheBluegrass Pickin’Party,7 pm
OKAY BAR— StyrofoamWinos,Thomas Dollbaum and NewHolland, 8pm
TUESDAY10
ALLWAYS LOUNGE — NightmareBefore christmasBurlesque, 10 pm
BAMBOULAS — TheVillains,1:15 pm; Giselle Anguizola Quartet, 5:30 pm; caitie B. &The Hand Me Downs, 9pm BARMÉTIER — robinrapuzzi’s Glo Worm Trio,7 pm
CAFÉ NEGRIL — TheSuper-MostFantastic-Blues-N-SuchJam, 7pm
CAPULET— Bruno elisabetsky,6:30 pm
CHICKIE WAHWAH An evening With Patterson Hood, 8pm
DOSJEFES — JoeKrown, 8:30 pm
HOLYDIVER — TheAmazing Henrietta, 7pm
KERMIT’S TREMÉ MOTHER-IN-LAW LOUNGE — Irvin Mayfeld, Kermitrufns and JBatiste,6 pm
THE MAISON — Jacky Blaire, 5pm; Paradise JazzBand, 8pm
OKAY BAR— TheHuman Band christmas Spectacular,7pm
PARADIGM GARDENS Paradigm Gardens concertSeriesft. cuba Heat, 6:30 pm
THE RABBITHOLE rebirth Brass Band, 10 pm
REPUBLIC NOLA— Babytron xBLP Kosher,Traplan Patand Nasaan, 8pm
SATURN BAR— cumbia Night with Los Guiros andc’est Funk, 8pm
SIBERIA Sumac, Kowloon Walledcity and Trigger Object, 9pm
TIPITINA’S Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Presents HappyHour ft Founding MembersofJohnnySketch& TheDirty Notes, 6pm
WEDNESDAY11
BAMBOULAS JJ &The A-OK’s,1:15 pm; Boardwalk &The 3Finger Swingers, 5:30 pm; TheQueen &Friendz,9pm
BEANLANDIA — André Bohren Solo Piano,6pm
BLUE NILE Happy Hour with Yoshitaka “Z2” Tsuji, 8pm; New Breed Brass Band, 9:30 pm
BUFFA’S— castIroncactus, 7pm
CAFÉ DEGAS Double Whisky,6pm
CAFÉ NEGRIL — Jam-ilton, 7pm; Sunny Side JazzBand,10pm
CAPULET— SusanneOrtner, 6:30 pm
CHICKIE WAHWAH — Joncleary, 8pm
DOSJEFES — Javier Guiterrez,8:30pm
PRYTANIA THEATRESATCANAL PLACE— Phil Melancon, 7pm THE SAENGER THEATRE — Lauren Daigle,7:30pm
SATURN BAR— emily Nenniand Kassi Valazza, 9pm
SIBERIA — Deceased, Desolus, reptilian WarMachineand Blood &Oil, 9pm
ST.LOUIS CATHEDRAL — BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet, 6pm
TIPITINA’S — TheWood Brothers and Jobi riccio,8pm
VAUGHAN’S LOUNGE robinrapuzzi’s GloWorm Trio,8pm
THURSDAY 12
ALLWAYS LOUNGE — TheAmazing Acrocats: MeOWYcATMAS, 7pm
BAMBOULA’S— calebNelson &His Hot 5, 1:15 pm; cristina Kaminis& TheMix, 5:30 pm; WolfeJohn’s Band,9pm
BEANLANDIA TremeBrass Band, 6pm
BJ’S — NBD &The Big Deals, 9pm
BLUE NILE — IrvinMayfeld’sMusic church,9 pm; 11 pm
BROADSIDE — Nola Noel: An evening celebrating the Musician’s clinic,7pm
CAFÉ NEGRIL Smitti &Friends, 7pm; TheNextLevel Band,10pm
CAPULET— coyoteAnderson,6:30pm
CHICKIE WAHWAH Mahmoud chouki Band, 8:30 pm
DOSJEFES Jazz christmas with Bryce eastwood,8:30pm
LAFITTE GREENWAY PLAZA— Greenway Supernovaft. cuba Heat, Josephine Alphonso and More, 5pm
LE BONTEMPSROULÉ — TheSoul rebels, 11 pm
THE LOBBYATTHE BARNETT — In the LobbywithDJe.Maxmillion,7pm
PEACOCKROOM— Da Lovebirds: robin
Barnes &Pat casey, 8pmrOcK'N' BOWL —JeferyBroussard&the creole cowboys, 8pm
THE PRESSROOMATTHE ELIZAJANE D’BatisteJazzSeries, 5pm
THE SAENGER THEATRE — Lauren Daigle, 7:30 pm
TIPITINA’S — TromboneShorty’s Tunes forToys, 8pm
VAUGHAN’S — coreyHenry&The Treme Funktet, 10:30 pm
FRIDAY 13
ALLWAYS LOUNGE TheAmazing Acrocats: MeOWY cATMAS, 7pm; BayouBluesBurlesque, 9pm
BAMBOULA’S— Therug cutters, 11 am; Felipe Antonio Quartet, 2:15 pm; Les Getrex &creole cooking,6:30pm; Bettis &3rd Degree Brass Band, 10 pm
BJ’S Miss Martha &Her Good Time Gang,9pm
BLUE NILE ThecaesarBrother’s Funk Box, 8pm; Kermit rufns& TheBBQ Swingers, 11 pm
BOURBONSTREETHONKY TONK — TheBad Sandys, 8pm
BUFFA’S— Patrick cooper,9pm
CAFÉ NEGRIL — Silver Lining Serenaders, 3pm; JameySt. Pierre &The Honeycreepers, 6pm; Higher Heights,10pm
CHICKIE WAHWAH — Sally Baby’s Silver Dollarsand rAM of Haiti, 9pm
DOSJEFES — SaxInThe city with Tom Fitzpatrick, 9pm
GOOD MEASURE AT THE BARNETT AminaScott,9pm
HOTEL ST.VINCENT Or Shovaly Plus, 12 pm
LE BONTEMPSROULÉ — Funky Lampshades,11pm
THE LOBBYATTHE BARNETT — More& More withDJrusty Lazer, 10:30 pm
NOLABREWING — TheTanglers,7pm
SATURN BAR— Valparaiso Men’s chorus, 9pm
TIPITINA’S — TheMountain Goats and Anna Tivel, 9pm
SATURDAY 14
BAMBOULAS— TheJaywalkers, 11 am; Boardwalker andthe 3Finger Swingers, 2:15 pm;JohnnyMastroBlues, 6:30 pm; PaggyPrineand Southern Soul, 10 pm
BJ’S — Kumasi, 9pm
BLUE NILE George BrownBand,7:30 pm;AfrobeatNOLA, 10 pm
CAFÉ NEGRIL John Lisi &DeltaFunk, 1:30 pm; colinDavis &Night People, 6pm; rueFiya, 10 pm
CHICKIE WAHWAH ram, 9pm
FRITZEL'S EUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB — richard“Piano”Scott,12:30 pm; Steve Detroy Band, 2:30 pm; Bourbon Matinee All Star Band w/chuck Brackman, 6pm; Fritzels All Star Band w/Jamil Sharif,9pm HOLYDIVER NOLA— Norco Lapalcow/ chef Menteur,Sunrise:Sunset, 8pm LE BONTEMPSROULÉ — SteveKelly,11pm
LOBBYATTHE BARNETT — Trustthe DJ with DJ Mikey Ofine, 10 pm
MAPLELEAFBAR Mia Borders, 8pm NOLABREWING TAPROOM — TMarie and Bayou JuJu, 7pm
PRYTANIA THEATRES AT CANAL PLACE — Phil Melancon, 7pm
REPUBLIC NOLA 19 Year Anniversary ft.Sullivan King, 11 pm
SAENGER THEATRE — Whiskey Meyers,8pm
SATURN BAR— Mod Night, 10 pm
TIPITINA’S — Dragon Smokeand Ghalia Volt, 9pm
TOULOUSE THEATRE — Dash rip rock and SheMight Be aBeast,8 pm
SUNDAY 15
ALLWAYS LOUNGE SundaySwing with Bad PennyPleasuremakers, 8pm
BAMBOULAS AaronLevinson & Friends, 10:30 pm; Youse, 1:15 pm; Midnight Brawlers, 5:30 pm; ed Wills Blues4Sale, 9pm
BJ’S — Palestinian Beneft ft.Wit’s end Brass Band, Phoebe’s GreekBand,Los Güiros, Sabine Mccalla &More, 4pm; rhythm Band,9pm
BLUE NILE — Street Legends Brass Band, 10:30 pm
CAFÉ NEGRIL — Sunny Side JazzBand, 4:30 pm, Piano ManG,9 pm
CHICKIE WAHWAH — Maggie Belle Band with eric Heigle andMaddy Kirgo,9 pm
CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL A Festival of NineLessons &carols, 4pm
HISTORIC BK HOUSE &GARDENS The Big easy Boys Holiday concert,5:30 pm
MONKEY HILL BAR— Let’sGet Blitzened! christmas cabaret,7pm
OKAY BAR— TheWarbunnies, 7pm
SATURN BAR— BellaonBass, Miss Morning,Teena May and TheFizgigs, 9pm
TIPITINA’S — Fais Do-Do With Bruce Daigrepont cajun Band, 5:15 pm
TREME HIDEAWAY— Big 6Brass Band, 10 pm
Notso blackand white
by JakeClapp
SKAHAD APRETTYBRIGHTMOMENTIN
THEU.S. in the’90s, when bandslikeNo Doubt, reel BigFishand Less Than Jake helped push thethen-mostly underground genreintothe mainstream.But it wasshort-lived.
By theearly-2000s, themainstream musicindustryhad decided skahad overstayed itswelcome,and theupbeat, horn-powered genrewas quicklybecoming apunchline forcritics allergic to sincerity.
Ska, though,wasn’tdead, journalist Aaroncarneswritesinhis book “In Defense of Ska.”established bandscontinued to tour,new groups came together, andvibrant communitiescould be found in cities like LosAngeles andBrooklyn. AndinNew Orleans, skahelped buildaneededcommunity forteens andyoung adults in theyears following Hurricane Katrina. In thoseearlyyears afterKatrina,packedska punk shows at places such as BigTop andcypress Hall featuringbands like Fatter Than Albert,Samurai Deli,Angry Banana and Nashville’sStuck Luckyoffered locals a placetodance andfindsomerelief.The recently released second editionof“In DefenseofSka”spendsa lotoftime in NewOrleans as carnes revisits the city’s mid-2000sska sceneand those community-centered bandslikeFatter Than Albert andSamurai Deli.carnes also ties it into thecurrent resurgence of skapunk, whichincludeslocal bands BadOperation andJoystick.
carnes will be in town Saturday, Dec. 14,atHey!cafeinBroadmoor to talk abouthis book andmoderateapanel discussion aboutthe NewOrleans ska community. Thepanel will includeFatter Than Albert’s Greg rodrigue,Danielray andHunterMiller, Travis Thompson of TheSupaflies,co-owner of theformer BigTop ArtGallery KirahHaubrich, and Thou vocalist BryanFunck —alongtime punk booker whohelpedpromote many of thosemid-2000sshows Pullingfromclose to 120interviews with musicians, labelownersand show bookersaswellascarnes’ ownexperiences, “InDefense of Ska” celebrates butalsoanalyzesthe genre, from its Jamaican rootsand themulti-racial, workingclass 2Toneera to the’90s “Third Wave”boominthe U.S. andthe genre’songoing internationalpopularity. Thebook’sfirst editionended with skafadingfromthe U.S. mainstream.It received praise from Pitchfork(which once regularlymalignedthe genre) and rollingStone.But even afteritwas publishedin2021, carnes continued to hear more andmoreska stories.He
ultimately decidedheshouldrevisit hisbookand expand it forasecond edition, whichwas released in October. Alongwithexploring theNew Orleans skacommunity,the newmaterialdigs into LosAngeles’traditional skascene, apopular rocksteady communityin Brooklyn andhow christianska band Five Iron Frenzy brokea Kickstarter record to make its2013album.New Orleansr&B actually hada largeinfluence on theJamaicanmusicians who createdthe firstska recordings.But the city,carnessays, didn’t have much of aska legacy in the’90sexceptfor the band TheSupaflies,which signed with thelabel Fueled By ramen.
In theearly2000s,though, young bandslikeFatterThanAlbertand SamuraiDelipickedupthe torch. And afterHurricane Katrina, musicianslike rodrigue andray were determined to keep theirbands goingand help builda spacefor post-storm community.
Over time,manyofthose New Orleansska punk bandsstarted to dissolveaslives changedorpeoplemoved away.But,again,ska neverdied.
In recent yearsBad Operation—made up of rodrigue,ray,vocalistDominic Minix, guitarist BrianPretusand drummerrobertLandry— andJoystick have stoodalongside bandslikecatbite, Jerand We AreThe Unionaspartofa resurgence in skapunkinthe U.S.
“Bad Operationwas kind of areturn to skafor [the members],too,not just in termsofplaying it butalsotheir own personal storiesofhavingmoved away from it fora bit, goingintomoreindie rock,and then re-discovering what was good aboutthe music,”carnessays.
TheInDefense of Skapanel starts at 7p.m.Saturday, Dec. 14,and is free to attend.Findmoreinfoon Instagram: @indefenseofska.
‘InDefense of Ska’ author AaronCarnes
OBYA
gambitpets
Easy going
by Will Coviello
PROHIBITIONWAS AFAILURE, resultinginthe only constitutional amendmentrepealinga previous amendment. Andas law, it spurreda grandinterest in lawlessness,asalcohol neverwentaway. Butitalsois remembered forsomeofthe era’smostcolorfulfigures, includinggangsters,flappers andsocialites.
Some of thosefigures animate “Speak(easy),” thelatest show from MelangeDance company, runningDec.13-15 at UNO’sNimsTheatre.
“LoisLongusedthe nomdeplume Lipstick,” says companyfounder and choreographerMonicaOrdonez.“She’d go to speakeasies andparty allnight and then gossip in her column aboutwhat washappening in thespeakeasies.”
Long wasaneditoratThe NewYorker andalsoiscreditedwithlaunching fashion criticism. Shebothenjoyed New York’s speakeasies andchronicling the excesses of theroaring Twenties
mediaand historical references.Some segments areframedlikesilentmovie scenes, with projectedtextcards Therealsoare videoprojections of news andphotosofthe day. Theset is embellished with pieces showingthe many ways people used to stashtheir liquor. Theshowwas partiallyinspiredbythe historical trajectory of recent shows.
Theshowfeaturesafictionalized New Orleansspeakeasy reporter,rouge, whowrites forthe localliteraryjournal, theDoubleDealer(whichpublished work by WilliamFaulkner, robert Penn Warren,Hartcrane andothers).rouge is theshow’sonstage narrator and patronizes thecity’sspeakeasies.Some of theother dancersinthe show’s cast of 21 also speakinthe show
Amongthe speakeasyrevelersare silent film stars, whosecareers arefadingastalkies take over thefilmindustry. Thelocalized settingalsofeatures artistsfromthe French Quarter’sbohemian scene. Andthere is afederal agent knownfor usingnumerousdisguises to infiltrate andbustspeakeasies.There areroughly adozen specific characters in theshow, andsomeare actual historical figureswhile others arecomposites or fictionalizationsofrealpeople.
Themusic is mostly earlyjazzfrom JellyrollMor tonuptoellaFitzgerald andBenny Goodman. They also use “running Wild,” ajazztunesungby MarilynMonroein“Some Like It Hot,” acomedyabout acoupleoffriends on therun from gangsters, andthereis some remixed modern music. Vocalist Gabriellecavassa will lead asmall band onstage.
Themovementmixes more modernstyleswithpopular dances of the 1920s, includingthe charlestonand the BlackBottom.
As in recent Melangeproductions, “Speak(easy)”isincorporating visual
“‘Fantomes’was rooted in Storyville,” Ordonezsays. “My brain waslike, whathappenedwhen Storyville closed?Wewentfromthe brothels to thesaloons,and then Prohibitionhappenedand we went from thesaloons to thespeakeasies.”
Thespeakeasies mayhavebeena predictableresponsetoProhibition, buttheyalsoreflected tumultuous timesand social change.Thoughthe 1920swereprosperousfor many,it wasalsoaperiodofrelieffromthe devastationofWorld WarI.
Speakeasies welcomed women customers, whichwas notthe norm in saloonsbeforeProhibition.Insome cities,somespeakeasies were also racially integrated.The illicitnatureof thebarsmadethemripetoignoreall sortsofsocialbarriersineffectoutside. Speakeasiesstill ranged from rougher to finer,and some featured entertainers, whichisreflected in acabaret-style scene in theshow.
Theshowalsoexploresthe growing politicalpower of women. Thetemperancemovementhad many women leaders, andsuffragefollowedright on theheels of the18thAmendment outlawingalcohol.
Ordonezuses“Speak(easy)” as a sort of double entendre forthe eraof empowermentfor women.
“Inthe contextofwomen’s liberation, womenare speakingeasy,”she says “Theyfound theirpolitical voice.”
“Speak(easy)”isat8p.m.Dec.13-15
Tickets$25-$75 viamelangedanceofnola.com.
PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE
NOVEL ARRANGEMENTS
By Frank A. Longo
being played when Charlotte’s NBA team is on the court?
Grafton’s “-- for Quarry”
Comic shriek
Self-affirmation of
Dark film style
Parcel (out) 68 Dog in “The Thin Man”
Bad guy in “Othello”
Verizon or Sprint, in brief
administrator
76 “Trapeze” actor Burt
-- eclipse
78 Org. for the Lions, but not the Bengals
79 Govt. lender
82 Fashion magazine 83 Coup d’-84 With 99-Down, short round of golf
86 Shut in 91 Present at birth
92 Pig’s place 93 GM truck 94 Situate 95 Lamb-in-pita sandwich 96 Broccoli unit 97 Spa hot spots
98 Lilting refrain 99 See 84-Down 100 Aid in online mass-mailing
101 “If Street Could Talk” (2018 film) 102 Fire emission
106 Dry, in Spain 107 Poker variety 108 This, in Spain 110 “I have it!”
111 Stylist’s stiffening stuff
112 Co. bringing bouquets
113 “Bali --”
