Gambit: Jan. 10, 2023

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Delta BluesProductions, LLC's filming of "The Winchesters -Season 1" willwrapproductioninthe GreaterNew Orleans Area as of January 25, 2023. All outstanding creditorclaims should be mailed or emailedby February 24,2023. Contactinfoisasfollows:Delta BluesProductions, LLC; 2324 Severn Ave.;Metairie, LA,70001 timothy.turner@wbconsultant.com

by Will Coviello |

WHENDONALDJONESJR.AUDITIONED FORTHENORTHAMERICANTOURING COMPANY OF“THECOLORPURPLE” in 2010,hejust wanted to be cast and take abig step up in hisyoung career.Hewon arole as adancer in theensemble andtouredwith the productionfor ayearand ahalf, includinga hometown show his family sawatthe MahaliaJackson Theaterfor thePerformingArts.

Butafter sevenyears in NewYork and roles in theBroadwaypremieres of “Aladdin” and“Frozen,” he’s movedhometoNew Orleans and is putting hisexperiences with “The Color Purple”toworkasthe directorand choreographerofthe musical productionopening at Le PetitTheatre this week

Theshowwas acareer-changing experience forhim in many ways, and he’s trying to sharethatwith his localcast andaudience.

“Itwas thefirst time Iworkedwith an all-Blackcast,”Jones says.“It wasnicetobesurroundedbypeople wholooked like me,and we told astory that involved ourculture and ourstories.I did that fora year and ahalf. We did eightshows aweek. I nevergot tired. It hassucha beautifulmessage. Healingfromyour trauma,rising above,finding your ownacceptanceand self-love.I just connectedtoit, andI knew every time we did that show,somebody in theaudiencewas affected and inspired to come outofwhatever situationtheywerein.”

AliceWalkerpublished“TheColor Purple”in1982and wonthe Pulitzer Prizethe followingyearfor it.It’san epic storyofperseveranceasCelie growsupinpovertyinGeorgia in theearly 1900s. Shehas twochildren in her early teensand is married offtoMister, acruel manwho cutsher offfromher sister Nettie As time passes,she builds relationshipswith other women, including Sofia, thegirlfriendofMister’sson Harpo, andShugAvery,asinger whoissometimes Mister’s mistress

Thestory wasturnedintoa 1985 moviedirectedbyStevenSpielberg and starring WhoopiGoldberg, OprahWinfrey and DannyGlover. In 2005,amusical adaptation with a bookbyMarsha Norman and music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willisand Stephen Bray opened on Broadway and ranfor threeyears DonaldByrddid theoriginal choreography,and Jonesworkedwith himonthe 2010-2011tour.

“When Iwas workingwith Donald Byrd,Ifeltlikemydancewas elevated,” Jonessays. “‘The Color Purple’was thefirst time Ihad danced so technically.”

ABroadwayrevival opened in 2015, and it wonacouple Tony awards, includingBest RevivalofaMusical Jones’ direction andvisionfor choreography aresomewhere betweenthe Broadway productions

“The revivalstripped away too much,”hesays. “I likedthe revival because it movedswifter, butit took outall thedance.Ittook out themovementand stripped it down to aplaywithmusic.I want to liventhatbackup.”

He’s also workingoff theoriginal noveltoadd depth.

“Inthe musical, Squeakiskindof abrush-offcharacter;she’s sort of atramp andafloozy,”hesays. “But in thebook,she has awhole life that we miss (inthe musical).She has trauma justasdeepasCelie and Nettie.Wemissa lotofNettie’s story, too. Thereare moments(in this production)wherewetry to see her storyunfold alittlebit more.”

Themusical is steeped in gospel and blues, andJones isn’tchangingthat, butthe band is unmistakably aNew Orleans outfit.Music director DelfeayoMarsalis and conductorDavid Pulphusassembledatop-notcheight-piece band Jonesisbringingthe band onstage forthe juke jointnumber,which is notpartofthe usual set-up of theshow.

He’s also addingtouches that he says mighthave been missed by theBroadwayproductions’ white directors andthose less familiar with theSouth.

“White directors missed Black culture,” he says.“EspeciallyinNew

Orleans,when yougotoaplace wherethere’sgoingtobemusic and dance, there’salso food.Sointhe juke jointscene,I have acharacter passingaroundplatesoffood.”

He’s also usinganall-Black creativeteamofvocal directors,costume and hair designers andmore.

Much of thecastislocal,and New Orleans native KadejahOne is the Church Soloist, aroleshe performed withJones in thetouring production

Jones’ return to NewOrleans coincides with ashift in focus from performing to directingand choreographingwork. He directed “God of Carnage” forJPASand choreographedparts of itsproduction of “Fly”about theTuskegee Airmen.Hedirected“KinkyBoots” at RivertownTheatersfor the Performing Arts

Themove wasalso personal, allowing Jonestospend more time withhis family.He’salso workingon restoringthe Benjamin Center for Danceand GymnasticsinGentilly. He danced thereduringhigh school, butitwasn’treopened after HurricaneKatrina

Butfor now, he’s focusedon“The ColorPurple” and Celie’s story.

“Celie holds on with hope that she’ll be reunited with her sister,” Jonessays. “Believing that thereis somethingbetterorsomething more forusisall that apersonmay need to find thestrength to getout of asituation. That’s what rings true formein this story: thebeliefinsomething.”

“The ColorPurple” runs Thursday throughSunday, Jan. 12-29atLe Petit Theatre.Tickets $20-$70via lepetittheatre.com.

THE25THANNIVERSARY of hisTiny Universe project. Thebandisin NewOrleans this week to celebrate andprepare forits winter tour.The jazz-funkgroup performsintimate showsatChickie WahWah at 9p.m. Wednesday,Jan.11, and Thursday, Jan.12, andthere’sa late nightset by DJ Jubileeafter Thursday’sperformance. Tickets $45inadvance or $55 on theday of theshowvia chickiewahwah.com

JamesMcMurtry

FOLKROCKANDAMERICANASINGER/ SONGWRITERJAMESMCMURTRYreturns to NewOrleans with hisfullband forashowatChickie WahWah

He released thestudioalbum,“The Horses and theHounds,”lastyear. He’s no stranger to localsounds, havingworkedwith CC Adcock to record of hispopular“ComplicatedGame” albumherein2013and 2014.Fellow Austin songwriter BettySoo opens at 8p.m.Friday, Jan.13. Tickets$20 in advance, or $27onthe dayofthe show viachickiewahwah.com

DannyBarker birthdaytribute

GUITARISTDETROITBROOKSLEADSA TRIBUTETOTHELEGENDARYJAZZGUITARANDBANJOIST DannyBarker. He’s joined by Dr.Michael White, Gregg Stafford,Steve Pistorious and more. At 8p.m.and 10 p.m. Thursday,Jan 12,atSnugHarbor. Tickets $30at snugjazz.com

RICKYGRAHAMANDGARYRUCKER

STARINTHEMUSICALFARCE abouta schemingRoman slavewho tries to bargainfor hisfreedom by connecting thecourtesan Philiawith his master Hero.At7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan.13, and Saturday,Jan.14, and 2 p.m. Sunday,Jan.15, at Rivertown Theaters forthe PerformingArts. TheshowcontinuesJan.20-22 and 26-29. Tickets$38-$52 viarivertowntheaters.com

‘The Color Purple’ opens at Le Petit Theatre

Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe SAXOPHONISTKARLDENSONISMARKING

PHOTO PROVIDED BY LE PETIT THEATRE Thecastof‘TheColorPurple’ rehearsesatLePetitTheatre

‘A FunnyThing Happened on theWay to theForum’

FILE PHOTO

THUMBS UP/ THUMBS DOWN

areco-awardees of the2023 Sherri Marina MemorialGrant,a NewOrleans theaterprize given tosupportworks designedfor Blackleadactors,especiallyBlack women.The grantisdedicated to actors Sherri Marina andCarol Sutton,who both passedin2020. Clark willuse his$6,000 grant to supportthe premiere of his production“Back in theDay,” and Mahoneywill useher grant to produce theplay“GodHelp Them If We Wake Up.” Goat in theRoadalso received agrant to supportthe company’s extension of “The Family Line”through Jan 29 at BK House.

Newcityinitiativecoulderasemedical debtforthousandsofNewOrleans residentsthisyear

NEWCITYINITIATIVECOULDERASE

MEDICALDEBTFORTHOUSANDS of NewOrleans residentsthisyear

RubyBridges, acivilrightsactivist whohelpedintegrateNew Orleans schools in 1960 at theage of 6, wasrecentlyinducted into University of NewOrleans’ Hall of Distinction. The Hallrecognizes people in theUNO community for theirdistinguished service. Along withBridges,the 2023 honorees includedbusinessmanDonald T. Bollinger, UNO’sfirst Black instructorRaphael CassimereJr., and philanthropistsRobert and Lori Savoie.Posthumoushonors also were giventomusician Ellis Marsalis andpolitical strategist NormaJaneSabiston.

Help paying offmedical debt could be coming forthousands of NewOrleans residentsthisyear afterCityCouncil setaside $1.3 million in federaldollars to wipe out medicaldebtfor low-income residentsduringthe budget process last month

It’s aprogram that’s become increasinglypopularwithcity governmentsinrecentmonths, withinitiatives in Cook County, Illinois,and Toledo,Ohio, gaining national attention.

Butaswithmostthings, it’s notquite as simple as it sounds, and noteveryonewill qualify. So here’sa breakdownonwhen and howthe NewOrleans medical debt relief willlikelyplayout

it,the nonprofit is able to negotiatemuchlowerpricestoacquire thedebt, with olderdebtusually costingless.Onaverage,RIP MedicalDebtsaysitbuys$100 worthofmedical debt for$1, meaningthe groupcould potentially wipe out$130million in medical debtfor residentsnextyear.

ForRIP MedicalDebttobuy the debt,ownersofthe debt must be willing to sell thedebtordonate it.And nobodywill knowhow much medicaldebtthe groupwill actually eliminateuntil it finishes negotiationswithdebtowners.

Established in 2014,RIP Medical Debt saythey’ve wiped outmore than $7 billion in medicaldebtfor people across thecountry,includingtwo small-scaleprojectsin theNew Orleansarea.

Each tailisworth $6,which is paid to huntersaspartofanutria population controlprogram established in 2002 Butthe latest tailtally is thethird-lowest sincethe program started,with stateofficials attributingthe decline to Hurricane Ida. Many of theusual participatinghunters were displacedand/or busy repairing damagetotheir homes and businesses.The previous season racked up 312,000 tails.

Richard’sDisposalInc.,which collects garbageand recycling in halfofNew Orleans,amassed a monthlyaverage of closeto1,280 complaints of missed pickups in thesecond halfof2022, The Times-Picayunereported.Things only gotworsetowardthe end of theyear, with morethan450 complaints filedagainst Richard’s in thelastthree days of December

First off, this won’tinclude directpayments to residents.The councilwill give themoney to the nonprofit RIP MedicalDebttouse to buymedical debteither directly from health care providersorfrom secondarydebtcollectors.The moneyispartofNew Orleans’ portion of American RescuePlan Actfunds to help with pandemic recovery andmakenew investments in communities

Becausemuchofthismedical debtisowedbyresidents who would likely neverbeable to pay

In 2020,New Orleans residents raised$19,600,and RIP Medical Debt used that moneytoclear $2.1 million in medicaldebtfor a combined 975residents,accordingtothe nonprofit.Monthslater, withadonation from Saints wide receiver MichaelThomas,they wipedout another $2.3 million dollars in medical debt,helping 808residents in JeffersonParish and 216inOrleans Parish.

This newinitiative, like other RIPMedical Debt campaigns,will focusonrelieving medical debt for people whose income is up to

38.6%

ACOACHING CHANGE

SEAN GASSER/PHOTO BY SEAN GASSER /THE ADVOCATE

HaroldEllisClarkandAnnMahoney

400% of thefederal povertylevel or whohave medical debt that is at least5%oftheir estimated household annual income.For reference, 400% of thefederal povertylevel is $54,360 forasingle-personhousehold,$73,240 fora two-person household, and$92,120 fora family of three.

ScottPatton, director of development forRIP MedicalDebt, told Gambit that it’s easierfor theorganization to buydebtfromthe secondarydebtmarketthan buying it from health care providersbecause it takestimetobuild relationships withproviders

“Thereisbasically acommunication cyclethathas to occurwith everyhospital that we have talks with,”hesaid. “Wehave currently notacquired very much debt at all from care providersinNew Orleans, though there’salot of areasonto be very optimistic about this particularsituation.”

It’s difficulttoquantifyexactly howmuchmedical debtNew Orleansresidents have,but the UrbanInstitute estimates14% of allthe city’s residentshave medicaldebt, including 16%ofpeople

of color. That’s slightly above the national average butlowerthan the statewideaverage.Accordingto thesame data,the averageamount of medicaldebtinthe city is $719 forpeople of colorand $427 for whitepeople

Some of that debt shouldn’t even existinthe first place under federallaw.The Affordable Care Actrequires nonprofit hospitals to have “charitycare” policiesfor free or reducedbillsfor low-income patients,but aWallStreet Journalinvestigationpublished in November foundthatmany hospitalsacrossthe countrydon’t makethatfinancialassistanceeasy to access.Those medicalbillsthat should have been waived canend up goingtocollections.

Still,the program could provide quick relief to thousands of residentsthisyear, like theones theNew Orleans chapterofthe DemocraticSocialists of America have been talkingwithattheir communityhealth fairs. Organizers say they hear from people whose medical debt hasfollowedthem for yearsand made it hard or impossible forthemtopay theirother bills.

“You hear aboutpeople having to notpay certainbills so that they canpay other bills or payoff debt …It’sbasically impossible to isolate this problem to just medicaldebt,” said Municipal Action Chair Jack Sweeney.“It’s also aquestionof like,‘Oh,how will Ipay my power bill this month when I’ve gota collections agencyhoundingme

foraprocedure Ihad years and years ago? Howcan Iput food on thetable?’”

“Thisissomething that builds and builds andbuildsand increases stress anddespaironjust regular people trying to makeendsmeet,” he added

City CouncilPresident Helena Moreno’s chiefofstaff Andrew Tuozzolo said thecity’slaw departmentand health department arein theprocess of drafting an agreementwithRIP MedicalDebt.

In themeantime, representatives withRIP MedicalDebthavebegun reaching outtocareproviders in theareaand scoping outpotential partners.Oncetheyhave an agreementwiththe city,they’ll assess the medicaldebtavailable to purchase and seewho is eligible under the income requirements.After that, theorganization canstart purchasingthe debtand sending outletters to residentsinforming them they no longerhave medical debt.

“Ideally,we’dlikethistohappen within sixmonths,”Pattonsaid. “But Icouldn’tmakea promise rightnow.” —KAYLEE

POCHE

PHOTO BY SHAWNFINK LocalorganizerErinPottsputtogether abakesaletohelperasemedicaldebtin NewOrleans,donatingtheproceedsto RIPMedicalDebt

COMMENTARY

SpeakerScalise? Evenifso,bestto manageexpectations

ATPRESSTIME,HOUSE REPUBLICANSCONTINUED TOFLAILONEANOTHER in spectacularly ugly fashionintheir internecine waroverwho will be thenew Speaker Rep. KevinMcCarthy, the party’sembattled House leader,waged battle afterSisyphean battle to succeed former Speaker Nancy Pelosi,tonoavail With eachfailedvote, thelikelihoodincreased that Louisiana’s Steve Scalise couldemerge as thecompromise pick to wield thegavel.

Should that come to pass,many hereabouts willhailitasgood newsfor Louisiana generally,and southeast Louisiana in particular.It wouldmeanthatScalise —whose district includesmuchofJefferson Parish,the Northshore,several coastal parishesand asliver of NewOrleans —issuddenlythird in line to thepresidency. From the Speaker’s podiumhecould,itis hoped, directmuch-neededroad, economicdevelopment and hurricane recovery money back home. Combinethatwith thefactthat Scalise previously worked with then-DemocraticRep.Cedric Richmond of NewOrleans to pass key legislationbenefittingsoutheast Louisiana,and hope springs eternal Unfortunately,muchhas changedsince those days,and none of it favors Scalise making goodonthose hopes.

Along with bipartisanship, theera of strong Speakersappears over, at leastfor Republicans. McCarthy’s protractedspeakership fighthas emboldened themosthardline bomb throwers in hisparty and undermined theofficeitself, both functionally and as an institution. Rather than asolemn honor which brings with it immenseresponsibility andauthority,serving as Speaker —atleast fortoday’s Republicans— hasbecomea politically dangerousundertaking akin to walkingthrough aminefieldwhile jugglinglivegrenades. Thefrustrations of thejob literally drove former Speakers John Boehner andPaulRyannot just from theSpeaker’s chair, butfrom politics entirely

Then there’sthe matter of managingexpectations. Should he becomeSpeaker,Scalise would be expectedtorepresent his party’snational policy interests first,his district second.Moreover, thoseinterests areincreasinglyat oddsonseveral keyfronts— chief among them fighting theimpacts of climate change andspending billionsmoreoninfrastructure,flood protection and disaster recovery Republicansare notthe “spend” party. They arethe partyof“no.”

Additionally,any Republican Speaker whoseekstodeliver forhis or herconstituentswill be hobbledbythe GOP’soverarching goalofnot lettinganythingget throughCongress that mightlook like progress, which could make PresidentJoe Bidenlookgood.

At theend of theday,being a Republican Speaker maynot be thepolitical brass ring it oncewas, and Scalise seemsaware of that Afterthe sixth, or seventhoreven tenthfailedvotefor McCarthy, Scalisecould have steppedforward as thecompromisecandidate.Instead, he chose to letthe processplayout till thebitterend

Whilethatstrategymay increase Scalise’schancesofsitting in the bigchair soon,there’snoguaranteethathe—orthe people of Louisiana— will be better offfor it.Wewishitwereotherwise,for everyone’s sake, and we hope Scalise will surprise both sidesof theaisle if giventhe chancetobe Speaker.Recenthistory,however, suggestsweall should manage ourexpectations.

PHOTO BY ALEX BRANDON/ THEAP Rep.SteveScaliseshakeshands withRep.KevinMcCarthy.

Kennedyisout,but hestillimpactedthe governor’srace

INLOUISIANA,LOCAL ANDNATIONALPOLITICS

RARELYINTERSECT

That’s notthe case this election season,thanks to U.S. Sen.JohnNeely Kennedy’sannouncementthathemay run forgovernor next fall Kennedy’s announcement, whichcamedays afterhis big re-election victoryinNovember, putseveral Republican gubernatorialaspirants on “hold”pendingthe junior senator’sdecision. He ultimately announced on Jan. 4thathewon’t run, but thenearlytwo-month “pause”he createdhad amajor impact.

TwoGOP would-becandidates, Lt.Gov.BillyNungesser and Treasurer John Schroder, said they would defertoKennedy. They didn’t have muchchoice. Kennedyhas been themostpopularpolitician in thestate forseveral years, and he hadmillionsinhis warchest left over from hisre-electioncampaign NowthatKennedyisout, Nungesser andSchroderwill formally announce theircandidacies soon.Othersare certain to follow TheonlyannouncedRepublican candidate, stateAttorneyGeneral Jeff Landry,did notdeferto Kennedy. Landryand Kennedy have no love lost forone another, and manysuspect Kennedy floated theideaofrunning to mess with Landry —and to give another BeltwayRepublican,Rep.Garret GravesofBaton Rouge, achance to consider therace.

Some speculate Kennedywould endorse Gravesifthe 50-yearold congressman opts to run, but Graveshas spentthe past week enmeshed in themessy battle for HouseSpeaker.His name hascirculatedfor severalyears as apotential candidatefor governor —someday

Graveshas to weighhis options carefully.Heiswidelyrespectedin Congressfor hisgrasp of coastal, environmental and climatechange issues,and he’sthe second-ranking GOPmemberofthe all-important Transportation Committee, which he aspires to chair oneday.Graves spenthis earlyyears in politics as

aHouse andSenatestaffer,and he maybelieve he candomorefor Louisiana’sendangered coastlinein Washington than he caninBaton Rouge. We’llsee

Another interestingpiece of speculation came soon afterKennedy announced hisdecisionnot to run: With committeeassignments being shuffled as theSenatereorganizesunderDemocraticcontrol, Kennedy reportedly didn’twantto riskhis prized seat on theSenate AppropriationsCommitteebyleadingpeople to believemight notbe stickingaround. (This wasthe fifth time Kennedyflirted with running forgovernor,onlytobow outafter protracted media attention.)

ThebottomlineonKennedy is (asI wrotewhen he announced) he’sa show horse, notawork horse. Beinggovernor is hard work;itrequires long days and constant effort.Being asenator is, well,not that hardifyou do it the wayKennedydoesit.

Louisiana Democrats, meanwhile, have no announced candidates and notmuchofabench when it comestostatewide competition. That said,manyfearthatifonly oneDemocrat runs,heorshe wouldmakethe runoff— and give us Gov. Jeff Landry,whose first electedofficewas …Congress.

As Tip O’Neill famouslysaid, allpoliticsislocal

PHOTO BY BRAD BOWIE/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE U.S.Sen.JohnNeely Kennedysayshewon’t runforgovernor.

BLAKEPONTCHARTRAIN™

Dearreader, CONGRATULATIONSAREINDEEDIN ORDERFORCHEFANDRESTAURATEUR

SusanSpicer, whowill receivethe Ella BrennanLifetimeAchievement in HospitalityAward from theNew OrleansWine&FoodExperience on Thursday, Jan.12.

Spicer began her localcookingcareerin1979atLouis XVI Restaurant.She worked in kitchens in Paris and California before openingBayona in theFrenchQuarter in 1990. Herfirst Lakeviewrestaurant, Mondo,followedin2010, thesame year theJames BeardAwards named her to alistofWho’s Who of Food andBeverageinAmerica.

Rosedale,located in theNavarre neighborhood adjacent to Delgado Community College,openedin 2016.The building at 801Rosedale Driveisthe former NewOrleans PoliceDepartmentThird District police station Thelandonwhich it sits was oncepartofthe GirodAsylum, latercalledthe ColoredWaif’s Home.Itwas ajuveniledetention facility wherea judgesentenced

BLAKEVIEW

young LouisArmstrong forfiring apistolintothe aironNew Year’s Eve1912.Armstrong first learned to playthe cornet and bugle there.

Accordingtodeveloper and contractorKevin Centanni, thepolice stationwas originally constructed in 1936 with lumber andother materialssalvagedfroma facility dating to 1879.Centannitold The Times-Picayunethatthe police stationwas originally locatedon thebanksofthe nearby NewBasin Canalbeforebeing movedtothe presentlocationin1951.

In the1980s,NOPDuseditasa headquarters forits crimeprevention office.After it satindisrepair forseveral years, Centanni purchasedthe buildingata city auctionin2014.

Some signs of itsformer useare still visible,including barsonsomeof thewindows and jail cellsthathave been convertedintorestrooms

THISWEEKMARKS85YEARSSINCETHEBIRTHOFNEWORLEANSMUSICLEGEND

AllenToussaint,regardedasone of themostimportant figuresin20th century music. “Few people canproduce,arrange, writesongs or perform.Allen Toussaint diditall and then some with expertise and aplomb,” commentedthe Rock and Roll Hall of Fame when it inducted himin1998.

Born in Gert Town on Jan.14, 1938,Toussaint startedplaying piano at age15, andbegan writingand recording songs soon after.

Hisfirst albumasasolo performer wasreleased in 1958.Itfeaturedhis versionof“Java,” which in 1963 wasrecordedbyAlHirt, whoseversion wonaGrammyAward

Toussaintwould also writeorproduce songsfor Paul McCartney, the RollingStones, Otis Redding,Patti LaBelleand RobertPalmer, as well as localicons Irma Thomas,Aaron Neville, Dr.John,Ernie K-Doe, Lee Dorsey,Benny Spellmanand theMeters. Hiscredits include Thomas’“It’s Raining,”K-Doe’s“Mother-in-Law,” Dorsey’s “Working in theCoal Mine” andSpellman’s“FortuneTeller,”toname afew

In 2013,Toussaint received theNationalMedal of Arts from President Barack Obama. He wasnominated forsix GrammyAwardsand presented witha GrammyTrusteesAward in 2009

Toussaint diedofa heartattackin2015, whileontourinMadrid

Last year,the NewOrleans City Council votedtorenameRobertE LeeBoulevard,the street wherethe musician once lived,Allen Toussaint

HeyBlake, IreadchefSusanSpicer willreceiveabigaward thisweek.HerRosedale restaurantisoneofour favorites.I’veheard thebuildingwasoncea policestationorjailbut whatmorecanyoutell usaboutitshistory?

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Joy JoyTheJoy of Sex Ed

Inthepost-Roeera,kids areturningtosocial mediaforreproductive healthcareadvice

FINN GALARNEAU| JRNOLA

This storyispartofGambit’s ongoing partnership with JRNOLA, anonprofit which works with disadvantaged youthinNew Orleans interested in becomingjournalists. As part of this story, some teenagersweregiven anonymityin ordertospeak frankly about theirreproductivehealth care.

Theauthor, Finn Galarneau, is an unpaid volunteer Peer Educatorfor Planned Parenthood’s TeenREACHProgram

WHENJERAMESHA WARNER was16, herbirth controlfailedher.So shedid what manywomen before her chosetodo: She sought out an abortion Warner andher mother left their house in Alexandriaat5:30a.m.to arrive on time forher appointmentat theShreveportclinic, Hope Medical Groupfor Women.

“I remembercryingthe whole way,”Warner, now32and aPlanned Parenthood communityorganizer, says.“BecauseI didn’tknowwhat to expect.”

Before Warner enteredthe clinic, protesters yelled at her,and inside, aftera certain point, shehad to wait alone, her only source of comforta “skinny blonde whitelady” whotalked to her aboutthe procedure.When it wasover, Warner wasexhausted; sheslept andbleda lot.

During thewhole process,Warner struggledinternally withthe fact that shegot pregnant at thesameage her biologicalmother gave birthtoher.“I didn’twanttobeher,” shesaid. “And shedidn’twantmetobeher.”

Sixteenyears later, alegal abortion in Louisiana almost certainly wouldn’t be an option forateenager in Warner’s situation. When the Supreme Courtoverturnedits 1973 Roev.Wade decisionlast June, abortion became illegal in thestate,and medicalexceptions to theban areso vaguethatmanyreproductivehealth care providersare scared to provide care to theirpatients.

BetweenLouisiana’s stringent abortion banand rampant misin-

formationcampaigns,the need for adequatesex educationfor young people is greaterthan ever

Warner says shedoesn’tremember her school providing formal sexual education in theearly 2000s, only anatomylessons and pictures of STDs.She hadtorelyonconversationswith friendsand herolder brother forpiecemeal information.

Warner’s experience with sexedin Louisianaisstill incredibly common today. Louisiana allows,but doesn’t require, public schools to teachstudentssex educationstartingin 7th grade.Schools that do offer sexeducationmust stress abstinence, andtheyfocus on heterosexual activity or leave outimportant informationaboutconsent and healthy relationships

Louisiana lawstates, “The majoremphasisofany sexeducation instruction offeredinthe public schools of this stateshall be to encouragesexual abstinence between unmarriedpersons.”

“Bythe time Itook sexed, I wasalready knockedup,”Warner said.“It wastoo late to bringin this education.”

University of California,Los Angeles (UCLA) student SrihaSrinivasan (@sexedu), makes videosabout STDs,birth control, consent, menstruationand more forher roughly 200,000 TikTokfollowers.

Other creators focusonproviding informationaboutsex to theLGBTQ community,likegastroenterologist Dr.Carlton (@doctorcarlton)and KatieHaan (@itskatiehaan), theself-appointed“GayBig Sis” of TikTok. Each have more than 270,000followers and millionsofvideo views.

Carlton’s TikTok pageisfilled with quick tutorialsand explanations of medicalprocedures, LGBTQsafe sextips, andmedications that are no more than acouple minuteslong Forexample,inone 47-secondvideo, he informsviewers of amedication they cantakewithin24to72hours of exposure to HIVthatcan reduce the risk of HIVinfection.

Haan shares her ownexperiences with herfollowers,likeher experience getting an IUD. Haan’spracticaladvicespansfromveryserious issues,suchasconsent,tolighthearted topics,suchastipsfor differentiatingplatonicversusromantic physical touch.

WITH THESHORTCOMINGS of sexeducation in Louisiana public schools, GenZ areturning to theinternetand socialmedia platforms,likeTikTok and Instagram,toget information about sex, both from medical professionalsand non-medical professionalsalike

Varyingcontent in this wayhelps attractand engagea wide audience, and her responsestoquestions from followers create amorepersonal and trustingrelationship.

TikTok’s young audienceand video format makesitagoodplace to spread informationthatotherwise mightbeinaccessible to teens. Hearingstories from other teenscan help

PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THETIMES-PICAYUNE

PlannedParenthood’sbuildingin NewOrleans.

destigmatize topics such as sex and reproductive health, which is a vital first step to normalizing the spread of accurate information.

But the same format of TikTok and other social media platforms means it’s also easy to spread misinformation about sex.

A preliminary analysis of sex education on TikTok co-authored by University of Houston Law Center Research Assistant Professor Leah Fowler found that while there were health care professionals on the app who made videos correcting wrong information in viral videos, “the ever-growing quantity of content available on TikTok makes responding to all misinformation impractical, and there is no guarantee a user will ever encounter these corrective videos.”

Online searches can also result in false and even deceptive material Michelle Erenberg, executive director of Lift Louisiana, cautioned that searching “pregnant in Louisiana” or “abortion in Louisiana” may actually lead to sites for crisis pregnancy centers, or fake clinics that often publicize medically inaccurate information.

Additionally, searching for information online about abortion or even texting about pregnancy or abortion in states where abor-

tion is illegal leaves behind a digital trail that has been used to prosecute women even before Roe was overturned.

Though under current Louisiana law, a pregnant person can’t be prosecuted for having an abortion, providers who perform the procedure or help someone obtain one could face major fines and years of prison time.

“Sharing information is really important right now,” Erenberg says “Good information could be the difference between life and death.”

WARNER’S EXPERIENCE is one reason she’s decided to dedicate her life to spreading medically accurate information about sexual and reproductive health to at-risk communities

Now a community organizer for Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, Warner serves as a liaison between the community and Planned Parenthood which involves facilitating educational sessions, planning events and forming partnerships with other organizations

But there are obstacles and limits to what information Planned Parenthood can spread and how they can spread it Their status as a nonprofit organization means

they can’t endorse a candidate that would advocate for the protection of reproductive rights, and Louisiana law prohibits “providers of elective abortions and their affiliates” from speaking about sex education in schools.

Since Planned Parenthood can’t go into schools, they have to rely on connections formed in the community to reach teens.

In Baton Rouge, the Interfaith Federation, an organization composed of many different congregations, is open to collaborating with Planned Parenthood in order to educate children in the congregation, though many religious groups have fought to stop Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health organizations from spreading accurate medical information.

While organizations like Lift Louisiana and Planned Parenthood have been utilizing social media to educate teens with campaigns such as #MyLASexEd, they also need to rely on legal and economic strategies to face the increasingly complicated laws restricting health care and abortion. Lift Louisiana’s Legal Advocacy Program has been equipped to provide legal representation and advice to those who have been charged with a crime under the new abortion bans

“As we try to get information out, we know that our reach is only so far and young people really rely on their networks for information,” Erenberg says.

Erenberg says it’s also important for young people to advocate for bills that can improve sex education and reproductive health care for people in the state.

In the state legislature, Rep. Mandie Landry, a New Orleans Democrat, has been pushing for these policies, including for more comprehensive sex education in schools.

“Sex education has to be [expanded] at the state level,” Landry says “It’s really hard because a lot of people see this as some anti-religious thing because they only want to teach abstinence-only. But abstinence-based sex education doesn’t help with abuse, [nor does it] affect teen pregnancy rates.”

One of the bills Landry hopes to draft would establish procedures in schools to teach young children concepts such as “good touch” and “bad touch” as well as correct vocabulary for body parts. She pointed out that many families have a different lexicon when discussing reproductive organs with children, but that clear language can help kids communicate abuse to adults.

KatieHaan,the“GayBigSis”ofTikTok

BY HILARY SCHEINUK / THE ADVOCATE StateRep.MandieLandry

“If a little boy has a family member harming him by touching him in the wrong places, and he goes to his teacher instead of saying someone hurt my ‘cuckoo,’ he goes up and says, ‘My grandpa touched my penis,’ that teacher will listen carefully,” Landry says

ANY LEGISLATION expanding sex education faces an uphill battle in the state legislature, which is overwhelmingly conservative.

Meanwhile, teens are left to navigate information about sex themselves, whether that’s online or offline in community spaces, like coffee shops and small businesses.

“Recently, I was at Rook Cafe [on Freret St.], and they have abortion resources posted on the wall,” one local high schooler said “This is one of the spots I’d look to for information.”

Some teens say that they would still rely on their parents if they had questions about reproductive health or needed help in an emergency.

“I’d probably go to my mom,” one New Orleans-based teen says “She is very honest, and she would take me or a friend to a doc-

tor if I wanted an abortion or was pregnant.”

Another teen says, “Generally, I think flying to the nearest state where it’s possible to get an abortion is the best option.” But obtaining an abortion requires money both for the procedure and travel costs, and for many young people that’s out of reach.

Others are opting for more long-term forms of birth control. Many high school students have switched from birth control pills to intrauterine devices (IUDs) which can be effective for up to five years.

Dr Diana N. Contreras, chief health care officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, reported a 41% increase for IUD appointments from June 24 through July 14 last year The day Roe v. Wade was overturned, Julia Bennett, director of digital education and learning strategy for Planned Parenthood, reported there was a 375% increase in online birth control appointments for IUDs

“With an IUD, I worry much less about the chances of an unplanned pregnancy,” one high school senior says “One 10-minute procedure gives me five years of security.”

PHOTO

Backontrack

TAKINGOVERANEIGHBORHOODINSTITUTIONCANBEADAUNTINGPROSPECT.But that’s what Blue OakBBQ founders Ronnie Evansand PhilipMoseley and theirpartnerssigned up forwhen they purchasedthe Avenue Pub from owner Polly Wattslast August Thebar at 1732 St.CharlesAve.had been in her family since1987, and shetook over forher dadwhen he diedin2006, upping thebeer offerings substantially in theprocess,as well as upgradingthe food

“Wewantedtomakeitours, but we didn’t want to really change it to makeitlook new,”Evans says Theirtouchesseem spot on.The renewedAvenue Pubopenedon Nov. 29,and acomplete renovation of theupstairs,with itsdeep,wraparound balcony will be completed soon.Thereare some significant changes, butthe brightened space is still casual and inviting.The same goes forthe streamlined menu, which is purposelynot aclone to Blue Oak’s.

“Wedon’t have thespace to smokemeathere, so thereare onlyafew itemsthatcarried over,” says Evans, whose other partners include SteveJeffcoat andRyan Noland,partnersinthe Frenchmen Street bar, TheRambler. Noland also hasexpertise in construction as principal of theNFT Group.

Thesole smoked meat option is smoked wings,available in flavors like jerk barbecue,dry Sichuanrub and BuffaloInferno. Twoother Blue Oakdishesavailable at Avenue are thechili-glazedBrusselssprouts and thepopularspicy chicken sandwich,dressed with whitebarbecue sauce and Paula’s Pickles.

TheGreat John Hoganisatribute to thelateParasol’s owner,anearly and frequentcustomer when Blue Oakoperatedasa pop-up at Grits Barin2012. Flashfried shrimp are piledintoa Dong Phuong French pistolettealong with roosterchili sauce,bluecheese, lettuce, tomato and Paula’sPickles. There’salso a grilled chicken club sandwich with Hook’s cheddar, aSwiss-stuffed bratwurst and adouble pubburger with onions,cheeseand mayo

Beef fatpotatototsowe their crackletorendered brisketfat trimmed at thecompany’scentral commissaryinUptown. Dinerscan add brisketgravy andagedcheddar if thespiritmovesthem.Ahealthier option is thepub chop salad,awinsometossofgratedcheddar,collard greens, arugula,babykaleand fried chickpeas, and grilled chicken or fried shrimp canbeadded foranextra $5 Themenu is affordable,with items ranging from $7.75to$15.50.

Fans of Watts’beer curation should note thebar programis different. The40tapsnow serve amix of localand regional brews, along with ahandfulofAmerican and international pilsners, wheats, sours and lambics. Avenue Pubis notopen24hours,atleast fornow Current hours are11a.m.tomidnightdaily,and thekitchen stays open until11p.m.Evans says they’ll adjust hours according to demand. Therestaurantcurrently accommodates40people downstairsand 40 on thepatio, which also was redone.The upstairsdiningarea and balcony areexpectedtoopen soon and will have spacefor 100.

Thereisa scattering of colorfulTiffany-style hanginglamps, includinga hilariousparrot-perched chandelier. More noticeable is a model streetcarthatwinds around theperimeter of thediningroom and chugs over thebar on elevated tracks.Noland oversawthatproject, includingfinding thetrack andtwo model streetcars matching theSt. Charles Avenue line’s greencars. That bitofwhimsy is abright addition to theroom

Therenovated storeroom,with itscorrugatedwalls lined floorto ceiling with liquor,wineand beer, doubles as aprivate dining room, withaccentsincluding an exposed beam and retrotechlighting.

With Carnivalunderway, theplan is forthe upstairs to be open for privateparties and to have allhands on decktodeal with thecrowdson theparade route. Many locals have been campingout herefor yearsto watchparades. “Weare still working outthe details,” Evanssays.

FORK +CENTER

Emaildining@gambitweekly.com

Costerafoundersto openItalianeatery

THEUPTOWNRESTAURANTCOSTERA

HASESTABLISHEDITSELF as adestination forflavors inspired by Spain and an atmospherethatcan feel like ahouse partyattimes,with tablehoppingand tapas in boisterouscirculation.

Next up,the partnersbehind Costerawill open anew restaurant based on northernItaliancooking.

Osteria Lupo is nowunder constructionat4609Magazine St.ChefBrianBurns and business partner Reno de Ranieri expectto openinApril

Whilethe menuremains under development, expecthouse-made pastaand many dishes coming through awood-firedoven. That will include pizza, roasted meats and vegetables andother dishes drawingfromthe northern Italianstyle

“New Orleans hasalot of influence from southernItaly,from

Sicily,” Burnssays. “The north showsa differentset of influences.”

Theculinaryapproachwill be distinctly different, butthe partners also want to replicatethe accessible family-friendlyfeelofCostera,which has an upscale-casual atmosphere fromits long bartoits largetables When they say“family-friendly,” though,they’re envisioning meals awhole family shares with dishes passed around thetable,not aplace withakidsmenu.

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER Co-ownerRonnieEvans attheAvenuePub.

PROVIDED PHOTO BY ROMAGUERA CosterafoundersRenoDeRanieri(left) andchefBrianBurnswillopenanItalian restaurantonMagazineStreetinspring.

Osteria Lupo is taking shape in aformerstudiospace across thestreetfromLaBoulangerie, thebakerycafe runbyDonald Link’s restaurantcompany.Burns and De Ranieri both came outof Link’s restaurantgroup.

They opened Costerain2019 and built afollowing with dishes that areheavily evocativeofSpain, whileavoidingclicheand drawing heavily on localingredients.

Thenew restaurantisclose to Costera’slocationonPrytania Street,and that is no coincidence “Wehad such greatsupport from theneighborhood through thepandemic,thatconvinced us we could opena second restaurant here,” Burnssays.

In broad strokes, thechef describesa menu progressing from spiedini (grilled meat skewers) andcrudo to larger format, shared dishes like whole fish and bistecca alla Fiorentina. The restaurant will have adedicated in-house pasta makingprogram forahalfdozen or so different types, plusstuffed pasta and bakedpastas,likea rigatoni dish Thename Osteria Lupo comes fromanItalian good luck expression,inbocca al lupo, translating literallyto“in themouth of thewolf.”

“It’slikepeople telling each other aboutthe worst thing that could happen,inthe wolf’s mouth,sogoodluck,”DeRanieri says.“It’s therestaurantbusiness, we could alluse some luck.”

—IAN McNULTY/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

Aldisupermarket nowopeninMetairie

THEALDISUPERMARKETCHAINIS

CONTINUINGITSEXPANSION across theGulfSouth —including the greaterNew Orleans area —with theopeningJan.5ofits first location in Metairie Thenew store, which is on Veterans MemorialBoulevard near PowerBoulevard,isthe latest of severalAldi locationsto open in southLouisiana.In2022, thecompanyopenedthree stores in theAcadiana area alongwith locationsinSlidelland LaPlace

AsecondNorthshorelocation is scheduledtoopen laterthis month in Covington.

“Wehavebig plans across theentireGulfCoast, which we define as LafayettetoTallahassee, Florida,”saysHeather Moore, Aldi’s Loxley divisionvicepresident. “Weopened20storesin

that area in 2022 andwill open13 more this year.”

Thecompany kicked offits regional expansionlast summer with theopeningofa 564,000-square-foot distribution facility in Loxley,Alabama that services theentireGulfCoast Mooresaysthe expansionwill continue beyond 2023,with the companyaddingabout 10 new stores ayearuntil it has100 in the Gulf Coast market.

Beyond theCovington location,the company is planning aMarrero location,though the openingwill notbeduringthe first quarterofthe year.Two stores arealso planned this year forBaton Rouge: onenearthe Interstate10-Seigen Lane intersection, theother on O’Neal Lane

Aldihas morethan 2,200 stores across 38 statesand is the third-largest U.S. groceryretailer by storecount

TheMetairie location,at8855 Veterans MemorialBlvd.,isideal because of itshightraffic count, Mooresaid.

“Welook forpopulation density,” shesays. “Thereare alot of people in this area and this particular road is incredibly busy and also easy to access.”

Aldiwas launched in Essen, Germany, in 1961 and came to the U.S. in 1976

Itsstoresare smallerthan traditionalgrocery stores,at about12,000 square feet,with alayoutdesigned forsimplicity and efficiency,the company says.Nearlyall theproducts Aldioffersare itsown brands.—

STAFFPHOTO BY LESLIE WESTBROOK/ THEADVOCATE TheAldisupermarketchainopeneda

RobertSimonson

writer by Will Coviello

ROBERTSIMONSONHASCOVEREDTHE COCKTAILREVIVALINBOOKS and as aspiritswriterfor theNew York Times.He’swritten books on themartini,the old fashioned, three-ingredient cocktailsand more.His most recent book is “ModernClassic Cocktails: 60+ Storiesand Recipesfromthe NewGoldenAge in Drinks.” He joinsNeal Bodenheimer,founder of Cureand author of “Cure: NewOrleans Drinks andHow to MixEm,”ata partyatSaba celebratingthe releaseofboth of theirbooks on Jan.12. Theevent includesdrinksfromboth books andfoodfromSaba. Tickets are $75and available viaeatwithsaba.com andinclude acopy of Simonson’s book. Formore informationaboutSimonson,see hisonlinenewsletterThe Mixat robertsimonson.substack.com

Whatisamodern classiccocktail?

ROBERT SIMONSON: Themodernclassic is atopic Ihave studied forthe past15years.Ihave been writing about cocktails since 2006. Youspend alot of time in bars, perusingmenus andtalking to bartenders.The drinks that stick with thepublic andthe media’s attentionare theonesthatcatch your eye.

Ioutlined some criteria in the bookonwhatittakes to be amodernclassic. Themostimportant oneisthatthe cocktailhas to jump from thebar whereitwas created. If it just stays at thebar whereit wasinvented,then it’s ahouse specialty, nota modernclassic.It hastogotoother bars and other cities.Inorder to do that,ithas to meet theapproval of other bartenders.Ifother bartenders don’tthink it’s atasty drinkworth emulating,it’snot goingtogoto other bars.Itneeds to be asimple cocktail—three to five ingredients that youcan geteasily at aliquor store. It it’s toocomplicated or tooornate, it’s notgoing to travel. Andithas to be popular withthe public.Ifpeople don’t orderit, it’s notgoinganywhere.

Itried to treat it as both arecipe bookand ahistory book.One of my ambitionswas to getthese stories down before they’reforgotten. Thecocktailrevival hasbeen goingonlongenough that some

of theyounger bartenders thinkthatit’s always been this way. They have no idea how mucheffort it took,where thesedrinks came from,who createdthem It captures apicture in time of allthe circumstances that would foster thecreationofall thesedrinksina shortperiodoftime.

Wasitfun researchingthebook?

S: It’s both work and fun. When I am goingout to exploreanew bar, Iamcompelledtoorder theoriginal drinks —the newdrinks they’vecreated to seewherethey’re at,what they’redoing. At this point, thelevel of excellence at your averagecocktailbar is pretty high.You’renot tastinga lotoflemons.Therearen’t alot of drinks that areundrinkable It is work,but it’s also fun.

Thebig cities have an embarrassment of richesasfar as cocktail bars areconcerned.But thecocktailrevival spreadfar and wide and reachedsecondary cities and small towns. Generally,anywhereyou go youcan find someplace that is trying to create craftcocktails Recently,I went to Lorain,Ohio. They have about60,000 people It’s apost-industrial town.There used to be alot of shippingthere It’s thelast placeyou’d expect to find afancy cocktailbar,but they have one. It’s called Speak of theDevil.Theyfocus on modern classics. They makedrinksasgood as anyinNew Orleans or San Franciscoorwhereveryou want to go.Theyhad asimple sour called a5th Street Finisher.Not much different than awhiskey sour,except that it hadscotch. Idon’t think Speak of theDevil will produce amodernclassic because it’s so isolated, butyou neverknow.

Oneofthe cocktailsinthe book is aTommy’s Margarita. It’s amargarita butwithoutcuracao.Itspotlightsthe tequila. It wasinvented in aMexican restaurantinthe Richmond in SanFrancisco —an unlikelyplace fora modern classic to come from,but it canhappen

Whataresomeofthe unexpectedsurprises youputinthebook?

S: TheGunshop Fizz comesfrom NewOrleans’ Cure.Incocktail circles,it’sfamous. Or maybe notorious. It’s oneofthe more complicatedonesinthe book Most of thecocktails in thebook are easily achieved at home.I have an affectionfor theGunshop Fizz.Itfeltwrong if Ididn’tput it in thebook.I have made it at home

Thereisone called theDeath Flip.It’sfromAustralia. It doesn’t makesense on paper. It’s tequila, Jagermeister, yellow Chartreuse and awhole egg. That’s acrazy drink. It shouldn’tbeasdelicious as it is

Youmay nothavethoughtof some of thesedrinks in your mind, butsometimes yousee theingredientsand youthink, “Ofcourse that works.”The Tridentiskindof weirdtoo.It’sequal partssherry, aquavit and Cynar. Youhave to have pretty good imaginationto come up with that.

Cynarwas oneofthe heroesof theearly cocktail revival. It was this forgottenartichokeliqueur from Italy.Bartenders in the earlymovementwereexperimental and they rediscoveredall theseheritageliqueursthathave been around foreverbut were neglected.Whentheystopped creating drinks with Campariand Chartreuse, they looked around and said let’stry Cynar. Anything youcan makewith Campariyou canmakewith Cynar. Cure was responsible with quitea few drinks with Cynar.

WINE OF THE WEEK

Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old TawnyPort

DISTRIBUTED BY

Spirits

PROVIDED PHOTO BY LIZZIE MUNRO

Out 2Eat is an indexofGambit contract advertisers. Unlessnoted, addresses arefor NewOrleans and all accept credit cards. Updates: Email willc@gambitweekly.com or call (504) 483-3106.

Acorn— 12 HenryThomas Drive, (504) 218-5413;acornnola.com— Thecafe a at theLouisiana Children’s Museum haskid-and adult-friendly menu Blackenedshrimpfillatrio of tacos toppedwith arugula,radish, pineapple-mango salsaand cilantro-lime sauce.Noreservations.breakfast and lunch Wed.-Sun $$

Andrea’s Restaurant— 3100 N. 19th St.,Metairie,(504) 834-8583;andreasrestaurant.com Speckled trout royale is topped withcrabmeatand lemon-creamsauce.Capelli D’Andrea combines house-madeangel hair pastaand smoked salmon in cream sauce.Deliveryavailable.Lunchand dinner daily,brunchSun $$$

Angelo Brocato’s 214N.Carrollton Ave.,(504) 486-1465;angelobrocatoicecream.com Thissweet shop serves itsown gelato, spumoni,Italian ice, cannolis,biscotti,fig cookies, tiramisu,macaroons andother treats. Lunchand dinner Tue.-Sun $

Annunciation— 1016 Annunciation St.,(504) 568-0245;annunciationrestaurant.com Themenuhighlights Gulf seafood in Creole,Cajun and Southerndishes. Gulf Drum Yvonne is served with brownbuttersauce with mushrooms andartichoke hearts Reservations recommended.Dinner Thu.-Mon $$$

TheBlue Crab Restaurant andOyster Bar— 118Harbor View Court, Slidell, (985)315-7001; 7900 Lakeshore Drive, (504)284-2898; thebluecrabnola.com Themenuincludessandwiches, friedseafood platters,boiledseafood and more.Basin barbecueshrimp areservedovercheesegrits witha cheese biscuit. Outdoorseating available.Noreservations.Lakeview: lunch anddinnerTue.-Sun. Slidell: lunch Fri.-Sat., dinner Wed.-Sun $$ Broussard’s— 819Conti St.,(504) 5813866;broussards.com Themenu includesCreole andcreativecontemporary dishes.Rainbowtrout amandineisservedwith tassoand corn macquechouxand Creole meuniere sauce.Reservations recommended Outdoor seatingavailable.Dinner Wed.-Sat., brunchSun $$$

Cafe Normandie— Higgins Hotel, 480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining The menu combines classicFrenchdishes and Louisiana itemslikeCrabbeignets withherbaioli.Noreservations

Breakfastand lunch daily $$

Common Interest — HotelIndigo, 705 Common St.,(504) 595-5605;commoninterestnola.com— Shrimpremoulade Cobb saladcomes with avocado, bluecheese, tomatoes,bacon,egg and corn relish.Beefdebris tops goat cheese andthyme grits. Reservations accepted.Breakfast, lunch,dinner and late-night daily. $$

Curio— 301Royal St.,(504) 717-4198; curionola.com The creative Creole menu includes blackened Gulf shrimp served with chicken andandouille jambalaya. Reservations accepted Lunchand dinner daily $$

Desire Oyster Bar— RoyalSonesta NewOrleans, 300Bourbon St., (504)586-0300;sonesta.com/

$ —average dinner entrée under $10 $$ —$11-$20 $$$ —$20-up

desireoysterbar— Themenu higlights Gulf seafood in Creole dishes Char-grilledoysters aretopped with Parmesan and herbs.Reservations recommended. Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily. $$

DickieBrennan’sBourbon House — 144Bourbon St.,(504) 522-0111; bourbonhouse.com— Theseafood restaurant hasaraw barand alarge selectionofbourbon.Redfish on theHalfshelliscookedskin-onand served with lemonbuerreblanc Reservations accepted.Lunch and dinner daily $$$

Felix’s Restaurant &OysterBar 739Iberville St.,(504) 522-4440; 7400 Lakeshore Drive, (504) 3044125;felixs.com Louisiana oysters areservedraw or char-grilledwith garlic,Parmesan and breadcrumbs Themenuincludesseafood platters, crawfish etouffee,po-boys and more No reservations.Lunchand dinner daily. $$

Frey Smoked Meat Co.— 4141 Bienville St.,Suite 110, (504)488-7427; freysmokedmeat.com Thebarbecuerestaurantservespulledpork, St Louis ribs,brisket,sausagesand more Friedporkbelly poppersare tossed in pepperjelly glaze. No reservations Lunchand dinner daily $$

FrootOrleans — 2438 Bell St.,Suite B, (504)233-3346; frootorleans.com Theshop serves freshfruit in platters, smoothie bowlssuchasa strawberry shortcakesmoothie andmoreusing pineapple,various berries,citrus and more.Noreservations. Outdoor seatingavailable.Breakfast andlunch daily. $$

Joey K’s— 3001 Magazine St.,(504) 891-0997; joeyksrestaurant.com The menu includes friedseafood platters, salads,sandwiches and redbeans and rice.Sauteed troutTchoupitoulasis toppedwith shrimp and crabmeat. Delivery available.Lunchand dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$

Juan’sFlyingBurrito 515Baronne St.,(504) 529-5825;2018MagazineSt., (504)569-0000;4724S.Carrollton Ave.,(504) 486-9950;8140Oak St., (504) 897-4800;juansflyingburrito

com TheFlying Burrito includes grilledsteak,shrimp, chicken, cheddar-jack cheese,black beans, yellow rice, guacamoleand salsa.The menu also hastacos,quesadillas,nachos and more. Outdoorseating available No reservations.Lunchand dinner Thu.-Tue $$

Katie’sRestaurant— 3701 Iberville St.,(504) 488-6582;katiesinmidcity. com ACajun Cuban has roasted pork,grilledham,cheeseand pickles on buttered bread. TheBoudreaux pizzaistopped withcochon de lait, spinach, redonionsand roasted garlic.Deliveryavailable.Reservations accepted forlarge parties.Lunchand dinnerTue.-Sun. $$

Kilroy’s Bar— HigginsHotel,480 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504)528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining The barmenuincludessandwiches,flatbreads,saladsand more.ALouisiana peachflatbread hasprosciutto,stracciatella cheese,arugula and pecans. No reservations.DinnerWed.-Sat. $$

LegacyKitchen’s CraftTavern— 700 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 613-2350; legacykitchen.com The menu includesoysters,flatbreads, burgers, sandwiches,saladsand more.A NOLAStyle GritsBowlistopped with bacon,cheddar and apoached egg. Reservations accepted.Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily $$

LegacyKitchen Steak&Chop 91 Westbank Expressway,Gretna, (504) 513-2606;legacykitchen.com The menu includes filets mignons, bone-in rib-eyesand topsirloins,aswellas burgers, salads andseafood dishes Reservations accepted.Outdoor seatingavailable.Lunchand dinner Mon.-Sat $$

MartinWine Cellar — 714Elmeer Ave.,Metairie,(504) 896-7350;3827 BaronneSt.,(504) 894-7444;martinwine.com— Thespiritsshop’s deli serves sandwiches,saladsand more TheSenasalad includes roasted chicken,raisins,blue cheese,pecans and greenswith Tabascopepperjelly vinaigrette. No reservations Lunchdaily $$

MidCityPizza 6307 S. Miro St., (504)509-6224; midcitypizza.com— Thepizza jointservesNew York-style pies,calzones, sandwichesand salads Shrimp remoulade pizzaincludes spinach, onion and garlic.Delivery available. No reservations.Lunch Thu.-Sun., dinnerThu.-Mon. $$ Mikimoto — 3301 S. CarrolltonAve., (504)488-1881; mikimotosushi.com

TheSouth Carrollton roll includes tuna tataki,avocado and snow crab. Themenualso has sushi, sashimi, noodle dishes,teriyakiand more. Reservations accepted.Delivery available. LunchSun.-Fri.,dinner daily $$ Mosca’s— 4137 Highway90West, Westwego,(504) 436-8950;moscasrestaurant.com This family-style eatery serves Italiandishesand specialties including shrimp Moscaand chickena la grande. Bakedoysters Moscaismade with breadcrumbs andItalianseasonings.Reservations accepted.DinnerWed.-Sat. Cash only. $$$

Mother’s Restaurant— 401Poydras St.,(504) 523-9656;mothersrestaurant.net This counter-servicespot is knownfor po-boys dressed with cabbageand Creole favorites, such as jambalaya, crawfish etouffee and redbeans and rice.Deliveryavailable No reservations.Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily $$

Nephew’sRistorante 4445W Metairie Ave.,Metairie,(504) 5339998;nephewsristorante.com Chef Frank Catalanottoisthe namesake “nephew” whoran thekitchen at Tony Angello’s restaurant. The Creole-Italianmenu featuresdishes like veal,eggplantorchicken parmigiana.Reservations required.Dinner Tue.-Sat $$ Neyow’sCreole Cafe — 3332Bienville St.,(504) 827-5474;neyows.com Themenuincludesred beans with friedchicken or porkchops, as well as seafoodplatters, po-boys,char-grilled oysters, pasta,saladsand more.No reservations.Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-Sat., brunchSun $$

Nice Guys Bar&Grill 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2404;niceguysbarandgrillnola.com Char-grilled oystersare topped withcheese. The menu also includes wings,quesadillas,

burgers, sandwiches,salads, seafood pastaand more.Noreservations

Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-Sat $$$

Nonno’s CajunCuisine and Pastries — 1940 Dauphine St.,(504) 354-1364; nonnoscajuncuisineandpastries.com

Themenu includes home-style Cajunand Creole dishes withsome vegan options. Shrimpare sauteed withonionsand peppers,topped withcheeseand served with two eggs andtoast.Deliveryavailable Reservations accepted.Breakfast and lunchdaily $$

Peacock Room— KimptonHotel Fontenot,501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504)324-3073;peacockroomnola. com— Blacklentilvadouvan curry comeswith roasted tomatoes,forest mushrooms andbasmatirice. The menu includes smallplates, aburger, salads andmore. Reservations accepted.DinnerWed.-Mon., brunchSun $$

Rosie’sonthe Roof— HigginsHotel, 480AndrewHigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941;higginshotelnola.com/dining— The rooftopbar has amenuof sandwiches, burgersand smallplates. No reservations.Dinnerdaily $$ Tacklebox — 817Common St.,(504) 827-1651;legacykitchen.com— The seafoodrestaurantservesraw and char-grilled oysters, seafood, burgers, salads and more. Redfish St.Charles is served with garlic-herb butter,asparagus,mushrooms and crawfish cornbread. Reservations accepted.Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily. $$

Tavolino Pizza&Lounge— 141 Delaronde St.,(504) 605-3365; tavolinonola.com Themenu features thin-crust pizzas,salads, meatballs and more.ABehrman Hwy. pizza is topped with pork belly,caramel, carrots, radishes,jalapenosand herbs No reservations.Outdoor seating available.DinnerTue.-Sat $$

Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza— 1212 S. ClearviewParkway,Elmwood,(504) 733-3803; 2125 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie,(504) 510-4282; 4024 Canal St.,(504) 302-1133;4218 Magazine St.,(504) 894-8554; 70488 Highway21, Covington,(985)2349420;theospizza.com AMarilynn Pota Supremepie is topped with mozzarella,pepperoni,sausage, hamburger, mushrooms, bellpeppers and onions.Therealso aresalads, sandwiches andmore. Takeoutand deliveryavailable.Lunchand dinner Tue.-Sat $

Tito’s Ceviche& Pisco— 1433 St. CharlesAve., (504) 354-1342; 5015 Magazine St.,(504) 267-7612; titoscevichepisco.com Peruvian lomo saltado is adish of beef sauteed withonions, tomatoes,cilantro, soy sauce andpisco, andservedwith fried potatoes and rice.Outdoor seating available on Magazine Street. Delivery available.Reservations accepted Lunchand dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$

ZhangBistro— 1141 DecaturSt.,(504) 826-8888;zhangbistronola.com

Themenu includes Chinese and Thai dishes.The Szechuan HotWok offers achoiceofchicken,beef, shrimp or tofu withonions, bellpeppers, cauliflower, jalapenosand spicySichuan sauce.Reservations accepted.Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue. $$

FOR COMPLETE MUSIC LISTINGS AND MORE EVENTS TAKING PLACEIN THE NEW ORLEANS AREA, VISIT CALENDAR.GAMBITWEEKLY.COM

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

Note:DuetoCOVID-19,eventsmayhavecertainrestrictionsormaybepostponed;werecommendchecking outavenuessocialmediasitesorcallbeforeyougoforthemostuptodateinformation

TUESDAY10

BAYOUBAR AT THEPONTCHARTRAINHOTEL —Peter Harris Quartet, 7:30 pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB —Richard“Piano”Scott, 12:30 pm; CollinMyers Band,5 pm;Fritzel's AllStar Band,8 pm

GASA GASA —Makeshift Tapedeck, TheRiver Dragon,ESP,9 pm

ROYALFRENCHMENHOTEL &BAR TrumpetMafia,6 pm;Jazz Vipers,9 pm

SANTOS —KoffinKats, 9pm

THERABBITHOLE —Rebirth Brass Band,10pm

WEDNESDAY11

BAYOUBAR AT THEPONTCHARTRAINHOTEL —Peter Harris Trio,7:30 pm

BLUE NILE —New BreedBrass Band,9pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —Christian Duque &the Roadmasters, 9pm D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS Tin Men, 6pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB —Richard"Piano"Scott, 12:30 pm;Bourbon StreetStars,5 pm;Fritzel's AllStarBand,8 pm

GASA GASA —Kirkos,The Budz, Blue Widow, 9pm

HARDROCKCAFE NEW ORLEANS TerryMcDermott withGraham Robinson, 7pm; Rock Autism,7 pm

HOTELMONTELEONE —JamesMartin Band,8 pm

PALM COURTJAZZCAFE Lars Edegranwith Palm Court Jazz Band,7:30pm

ROYALFRENCHMENHOTEL & BAR —BAM Jam with Gene Black, 10 pm

SANTOS —Swamp Moveswith RussellWelch,9 pm

THEBOMBAYCLUB —Harry Mayronne andNanciZee,8pm

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE —Funkin' It Up with BigSam,7:30 pm

THETOULOUSETHEATRE John Craigie,7 pm

THURSDAY12

BAYOUBAR AT THEPONTCHARTRAINHOTEL —Peter Harris Quartet, 8pm

BLUE NILE —WhereY'atBrass Band,9pm

CAFE NEGRIL —SierraGreen and the SoulMachine, 10 pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —John Boutté,7 pm;Zoomst, 10 pm

DOUBLEDEALERCOCKTAILBAR AT THEORPHEUM THEATER he Co &CoTravelin' Show,9 pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB Richard“Piano”Scott,12:30 pm; Doyle CooperBand, 2:30 pm;John SaavedraTrio, 6pm; Fritzel'sAll Star Band,8 pm

GASA GASA —SeanKenneally, NsgMoney,Tymonie,Dami, AniyaReno,9 pm

LE BON TEMPSROULE —Soul Rebels, 11 pm

PALM COURTJAZZCAFE Duke Heitger &Tim Laughlin withCrescentCityJoymakers, 7:30 pm

SANTOS —Tainted Love '80s Night, 10 pm

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE —Brass-AHolics,7:30 pm

TIPITINA'S —The Radiators,10pm

FRIDAY13

BAYOUBAR AT THEPONTCHARTRAINHOTEL —Peter Harris Trio, 8pm

BLUE NILE —The Caesar Brothers, 7pm; Kermit Ruffinsand the Barbecue Swingers,11pm

BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM TrumpetSlim&Brass Flavor, 10 pm

COVINGTONHIGHSCHOOL "Britten and Elgar", 7:30 pm

D.B.A. NEWORLEANS —Panorama Brass Band,5 pm;Suplecs, Green Gasoline, 10 pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB —Richard "Piano"Scott, 12:30 pm;Sam Friend Band,2:30 pm;Lee Floydand Thunderbolt Trio, 6pm; Fritzel'sAll Star Band,9 pm

GASA GASA —Dick Deluxe,Uncle Holiday, DonCook, 9pm

GEORGE ANDJOYCEWEINJAZZ& HERITAGE CENTER —YusaCuban Jazz Quintet, 8pm

HIDEAWAY DEN&ARCADE Thornprick w/ Brethren Hogg & Electric Age, 8pm

NOLABREWING TAPROOM Riverbenders,6 pm

PALM COURTJAZZCAFE KevinLouis and Yolanda Robinsonwith Palm Court JazzBand, 7:30 pm

THERABBITHOLE —Sir Baby Girl, Riarosa, 8pm

TIPITINA'S —The Radiators,10pm

X —Black Sabbath "The DioYears" Ronnie JamesDio, 8pm

SATURDAY14

BAYOUBAR AT THEPONTCHARTRAINHOTEL —Jordan Anderson, 8pm

BLUE NILE —George BrownBand,7 pm;Big Sam'sFunky Nation,11pm

BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM —The MarignyStreetBrass Band,10pm

D.B.A. NEWORLEANS —Tuba Skinny, 6pm; Soul Rebels,10pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB Richard“Piano”Scott, 12:30 pm; JoeKennedyBand,2:30pm; Lee Floyd and ThunderboltTrio, 6pm; Fritzel'sAll Star Band,9 pm

GASA GASA —PermanentResidue, High,Shidden,9pm

GEORGE ANDJOYCEWEINJAZZ& HERITAGE CENTER —Alexey Marti, 8pm

HIDEAWAY DEN&ARCADE Superbloom NOLA, 8pm

MAYBAILY'S PLACE —The Nanci ZeeTrio, 4:30 pm

PALM COURTJAZZCAFE —Will Smith withPalmCourt Jazz Band, 7:30 pm

REPUBLIC NOLA —BarelyAlive, 11 pm THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE —The Nayo JonesExperience, 7:30 &9pm

THERABBITHOLE —PrismFt. DannyDaze,11:30 pm

TIPITINA'S —The Radiators,10pm

SUNDAY15

BLUE NILE —The BakedPotatoes, 7pm; StreetLegends Brass Band,10pm

D.B.A. NEWORLEANS —Palmetto BugStompers,5pm; Treme Brass Band,9pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB BanjoonBourbon,12:30 pm; Barons of Bourbon Street, 2pm; MarlaDixon Band,5pm; Fritzel's AllStarBand,8 pm

GASA GASA —Crapstacksfeat. Flip Fitch, GoatmanExpress,Bullshit Machine, 9pm

NOLABREWING TAPROOM Cardboard Cowboy,3pm

NORTHSHORE JAZZ LISTENING ROOM —NanciZee Trio, 5:30 pm

ORPHEUMTHEATER —LostBayou Ramblers with theLPO,7:30 pm

PALM COURTJAZZCAFE —Mark Braud and SundayNight Swingsters, 7:30 pm

SANTOS —The DeltaBombers ,8 pm

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE —GlenDavid AndrewsBand,7:30pm

TIPITINA'S —The Figs of Wrath feat.Dave Malone, Camile Baudoin, Reggie ScanlanMikey B3 Burkart Eddie Christmas &Michael Skinkus, 9pm

MONDAY16

D.B.A. NEWORLEANS —The Iguanas, 6pm; Meschiya Lake andthe Machetes,9pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB —Lee Floydand ThunderboltTrio, 5pm; Richard"Piano"Scottand Friends,8 pm

JOYTHEATER —Tommy Emmanuel, 7pm

SIDNEY'S SALOON —The Amazing Henrietta, 6pm; DarkLounge Ministries,8pm

by Jake Clapp

RECORDING“CLIFFS/WALLS”MADE LINDSEYBAKERPHYSICALLYSICK.

Last year,the NewOrleans guitaristand vocalist and herGuts Club bandmates, drummer Ronna Sandovaland guitaristAlexDimeff, gottogether with producer Nick Pope to record thelatestGutsClub album in one,longtake. Baker, Dimeff and Sandovalthrew themselves —physically andemotionally —against thetowering wall of sound they’d built whilewriting “CLIFFS/ WALLS” and left nothingbehind.

Thetrioofmusicians were sore for afew days after, and Bakercaughta badsinus infection. “CLIFFS/WALLS” is thefourthGutsClub albumthat Bakerhas recorded,but she’dnever hadaphysicalreactionlikethat. The writing and ultimately recordingof theintense,crushing record was cathartic, Bakersays, especiallyafter thelastthree yearsofpandemic challenges,mental health strugglesand an oppressivepolitical climate.

“I’venever felt so good justplayingmusic,” Bakersays. “I’ve never felt theconfidenceIfeelnow …I feel like it makessense now.”

Guts Clubwill release “CLIFFS/ WALLS” on Friday,Jan.13, with a show at Siberia that also includes psychedelic doombandMars and post-doom groupFauns.Doorsare at 9p.m.and coveris$10

“CLIFFS/WALLS” is asignificant—although,maybe not completely out-of-the-blue —new soundfor Guts Club,Baker’s main songwriting projectsince 2015 That same year,Baker,who was born in Pennsylvania andbased in Philadelphia forsometimeand then Brooklyn, movedtoNew Orleans withher wife,writerKelly McClure.

Baker leaned into violent,gloomy countryand blues on her first threeGutsClubrecords,“TheArm WrestlingTournament,”“Shit Bug” and“Trench Foot,” andadark intensityalwaysbubbledunder thesurfaceofthe twang. On the newpost-metalrecord, Guts Club castsa droning, overflowing wall of soundusing twoguitars plugged into bass ampsand poundingdrums usinga kitwith asecondfloor tom instead of asnare. Bakersaysthe threequeer musicians in theband half-jokingly call it “gay doom.”

Eachofthe five tracks is at least nine minutesand coaxes thelistenerdeeper into itstexturedfolds Delivered in sparse yells, Baker’s lyrics reflectonloss, griefand love Thesong“TheGun Collector” was written forBaker’s wife, whounexpectedlylosther mother andthen

father soon afterseveral yearsago Thetitle song is aboutthe ways people buildimpenetrable defenses during traumatictimes

On past Guts Club recordings“I wassinging abouthangingpeople and puttingtheminthe trunk, and Istill sort of am,but it makesmore sensenow”withthe styles,Baker says.“Thereisn’tthisdisjointed contrast from this [country twang] Nowitall connects.”

Afterthe release of “Trench Foot,” Bakersays, shefound herself playing louderand heavier— and steadily moving away from the insularand straight-, white- and male-dominated countryscene. She pluggedher guitar into abassamp, startedworking with moreeffects pedalsand thingsgot louder.And then thepandemic struck

“I sayit’sbecause Iwas upsetor having ahardtime, butI can’treally pinpointwhy or howthathappened,”Baker says,“butI would just gointomyspace and add pedals and rearrangesongs,and they would justprogressivelyget heavier.”

As moremusic venues started reopeninginsummer 2021,Baker, whobooks at Uptown club Gasa Gasa,reached outtoSandoval, whoplays in punk band Coffinwolf Ultra, andguitarist Alex Dimeff,who performs as theshoegazeproject Student Driver.The trio started rehearsing anddeveloped“CLIFFS/ WALLS” into afull-lengthalbum When it came time to record,Baker knew it wouldbebest to layitdown liveinasfew takesaspossible in ordertocommunicate as aband, save studio time,and maintainthe music’svisceralfeeling.Onlytwo songs neededa second take Nick Pope “was able to rig his studio to make that happen forus, and I’msogladhedid,” Bakersays. “I love what happened during it.”

Find more aboutGutsClub and “CLIFFS/WALLS” at gutsclub.com

PROVIDED PHOTO BY SABRINASTONE GutsClubisdrummerRonna Sandoval,fromleft,vocalistguitaristLindseyBakerand guitaristAlexDimeff.

John Craigie

LOSANGELESSINGER-SONGWRITERJOHN CRAIGIE is known forhis gentlevoice, storytelling songsand humor.He released thealbum “Mermaid Salt” last year.Anna Moss opens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan.11, at Toulouse Theatre. Tickets $18via toulousetheatre.com

‘Jesus Christ Superstar’

ANDREWLLOYDWEBBER’SROCKOPERA “JESUSCHRISTSUPERSTAR” followsthe final weeksofJesus’ life from Judas’ perspective.The megahit is currently on its50thanniversary tour,with performances Tuesday, Jan.10, through Sunday,Jan.15, at theSaenger Theatre.Showtimes vary.Tickets start at $35via saengernola.com.

Progression MusicSeries

THEPROGRESSIONMUSICSERIES,WHICH FEATURESCONTEMPORARYGENRE-BENDINGMUSICIANS and bands, is back for aweeklyrun at Chickie WahWah Thesix-weekset of Tuesdaynight showsbeginsJan.10with theMatt Booth Quintetand RexGregory Contemporary MusicEnsemble SashaMasakowski(whooriginally createdand curatedthe series)will

perform as her experimental synthpop projectTra$h Magnolia on Jan. 17 with avant-punk band Primpce. Andupcomingshows feature Raph &The Rotation with Zahria Sims CollectiveonJan.24; aspecial collaborationwith theInstigation Festival on Jan. 31;Basher,Dominic Minixand Papa Mali on Feb. 7; and Smilohwith TheMonocle on Feb. 14. Concerts startat8 p.m. andadmission is $10-$20onasliding scale Find moreinformation at facebook com/progressionmusicseries

Yusa Cuban Jazz Quintet

CUBANMUSICIANYUSAWILLLEAD

HERQUINTETINCONCERT at 8p.m Friday,Jan.13, at theGeorgeand JoyceWeinJazz& HeritageCenter. Theconcertisthe first in theJazz &HeritageConcertseriesthatwill also featureAlexeyMarti on Jan. 14,CourtneyBryan on Jan.20, Joe DysononJan.21, KhariAllen Leeon Jan.27, and Firm RootsonJan.28. Tickets are$10 viaeventbrite.com.

COMEDIANCHRISDISTEFANOHASBEEN

PERFORMINGSTAND-UP formorethan adecade, buthe’sbeen on ahot

streak thelastfew years, with hourlong specials on ComedyCentral and Netflixand sold outshows at NewYork’sBeaconand Gramercy Theatres. He stopsinNew Orleans foraperformanceat7p.m.Thursday, Jan.12, at theCivicTheatre.Tickets are$44 via civicnola.com.

Sir Babygirl

DIYPOPSINGER-SONGWRITERSIR BABYGIRLSWINGSTHROUGHNEW ORLEANS on tour forashowwith localindie dreampop band Ria Rosaat9 p.m. Friday,Jan.13, at theRabbit Hole.Tickets are$10 viarabbitholenola.com

Meschiya Lake

NEWORLEANSVOCALISTMESCHIYA LAKEPERFORMS on thebalcony at theNew Orleans Jazz Museum at 5p.m.Tuesday,Jan.10. Audiences canwatch thefreeconcert from thecourtyard below andonlineat facebook.com/nolajazzmuseum.

TheFigsofWrath

IFYOUMISSEDOUTONSNAGGINGTICKETS FORTHERADIATORS’SOLD-OUTREUNION showsthisweekend,you canstill catchguitaristsDave Malone and

Camile Baudoinand bassistReggie ScanlanasThe Figs of Wrath, aNew Orleans supergroup with organistMikey Burkart, drummer Eddie Christmas andpercussionist Michael Skinkus.The groupplays at 9p.m Sunday,Jan.15, at Tipitina’s.Tickets are$25 viatipitinas.com.

‘HenryIV, Part 1’

THENEWORLEANSSHAKESPEARE

FESTIVALATTULANE reprises its summerproduction of “Henry IV, Part 1,”inwhich King HenryIVbattles to remain on thethronewhile hiserrantson Prince Halcarouses with Falstaff in thetavernsof London. At 7:30 p.m. Friday,Jan 13,atTulane University’s Dixon Hall.Tickets$25 vianeworleansshakespeare.org.

LouisMichot

CAJUNMUSICIANLOUISMICHOT’SSOLO

RESIDENCY at theMaple Leaf continuesat8p.m.Saturday, Jan. 14.This week,he’sjoined by accordionist Corey Ledetand guitaristand pianist BruiseyPeets.Tickets are$15 advancevia mapleleafbar.com and $20atthe door

ChrisDistefano

Letthegoodtimesroll

by WillCoviello

CAROLYNHAMILTONDIDN’THAVE ANYACTINGORSYNCHRONIZED SWIMMINGEXPERIENCE when shejoined NewOrleans’ water ballettroupeAquaMob.But sheswaminits first show, “Two Legs Bad,”anadaptation of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”set in awater park.And sheplayedthe lead in itssecondproduction, an adaptation of “The Last Unicorn.”

She has alot moreexperience as arollerskater,and she’sputting it to useinthe fantasyskate drama she wroteand directed,“Roller Soul,”which opensthisweek at Cafe Istanbul.

“RollerSoul” is adrama performed entirely on skates,with most cast membersonquadskates andone on rollerblades. Themaincharacters meet in askatingcircleinSan Francisco. Lilyisa lonely soul who is attractedtothe skategroup,and shealso hasher eyes on Skates,an extraordinarilytalenteddanceskater Butthereare moredifferences between them than skill levels She’s immortal —and dangerous.

“Horrorand skates haven’tbeen puttogether,”Hamilton says.“I thoughtitwould make people really excited.”

Thesetting reflects Hamilton’s experiences withskatingcommunities.She wasoriginally drawn to roller derbywhile in college Shejoined ateaminSanta Cruz, California,and wasa blocker competing under thename Domme Cruise. Butasa massagetherapist and aspiring nurse, shedecided sheneeded asaferoutlet. Then she foundthe free-skatingcommunity that gathered on SundaysinSan Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

“Itturned into alove of skating in thecommunity and people supporting eachother,” Hamilton says.“In theskatingcommunity, thereare no boundaries. It doesn’t matter what ageyou areorwhat background.Everybodyjust comes together andjust skates.”

She’sa fan of skatemovies,like Olivia Newton-John’s“Xanadu.” But “RollerSoul” has adarkerstreak, and seekinglove is notpurely idyllic. Skatersstart to turn up dead, and rumorsabound aboutwhat’s goingoninthe community.The setting andthe action eventually move to NewOrleans Hamilton came to NewOrleans sevenyears ago to getanursing

degree at theCharity Schoolof Nursing. Shethoughtabout joining theBig Easy Roller Girls butdidn’t have thetimetojoin ateam. She’s nowaRegisteredNurseatalocal emergency room,but shedid find herway into NewOrleans’ skate community andfrequently skates at Crescent Park

That’salso whereshe posted audition noticesfor “RollerSoul.”The cast is full of skilled skaters, includingmanywho perform in videos, teachorworkaschoreographers

“RollerSoul” also is amashupof diversecommunities and interests. Originally Hamilton wrotea movie scriptabout askatingcommunity, andlater converted it to aplay.

Thepiece involves amix of contributions, includingdrag performances,and Smokestack Lightning plays thestory’snarrator. TheFlamingFlagettesalso arein theshow. Thegroup is an all-drag flag dancingkrewe that marchesin paradesyear-round, and Hamilton is amember.

Theshowisnot amusical,but thereisplentyofdance skating. The duo of steelpan drummer Peter Barr and bassist Tony Bianchini providethe music.

Hamilton has been admittedto theDavid LynchLow-Residency Screenwritingprogram andwill begin participating remotely in August

“I knew Iwantedtobehere,” Hamilton says.“Iwantedtobepart of theartscommunity.Wecan makeprojectslikethishere.”

“RollerSoul” is at 8p.m.Thursday throughSaturday, Jan. 12-14& 19-12atCafeIstanbul. Admission is for ages 21 andup. Tickets$25 viaeventbrite.com

PHOTO BY LEONEJULITTE

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