Gambit: Dec. 27, 2022

Grooving

Alookat2022’shighlights in arts and entertainment

THOUGHTHEPANDEMICCONTINUES, 2022WASTHEYEAR NewOrleans got itsgroove back.The city officially endedindoor maskmandatesin March, butMardi Gras rolled close to normally andsomeofthe biggest celebrations returned in full form in spring

TheJazz& HeritageFestival became oneofthe most anticipated markersofthe return to normalcy, perhapsbecause of thescheduled and then canceled attempttoholda festival in October2021, and also for bringinginahostoftouring performers, from arena rockerstoUkraine’s DakhaBrakha.But following the January talentannouncement, there wasareminder of unpredictability of theprior years: TheFoo Fighters canceled theirappearance followingthe deathofdrummer Taylor Hawkins. Normally,the Allison Miner MusicHeritageStagewould host a full slateofinterviewswith musicians, butthe regularseriesheldindoors in thegrandstands wasnot part of this year’s festival

Butinspring, musiclegends like TheWho,Stevie Nicksand Lionel Richie took thestages at theFair Grounds. Nicksdedicated the song “Landslide” to Hawkinsasthe crowd sangalong

Thefestival showedoff its manyfacets. Majortouring artists includedNorah Jonesand her side projectPussN Boots. Original MeterLeo Nocentelli played his 1971 folk albumliveinits entirety Rapper MiaXwas joined onstage by MacPhipps, whowas released from prisonfollowing being grantedclemencybyGov.JohnBel Edwards. Andthereweretributes to musicianswelostsince thelast festival,including EllisMarsalis, Art and CyrilNeville, Dr.Johnand festivalfounderGeorgeWein

French QuarterFestival also returned with gusto, presenting 270predominantlylocal bandson 20 stages spread throughout the historic districtand riverfront

In late June, EssenceFestival of Culture returned afternearly three yearswithatop-heavylineup, butnoSuperlounges.Kevin Hart opened with anight of comedy,and then Janet Jackson, NickiMinaj, JazmineSullivan, NewEdition and TheIsley Brothersdrewfansto Caesars Superdome

Many localfestivals returned in abig way. Hogs forthe Cause returned to thegrounds outsidethe UNOLakefront Arenaand brokeits

fundraising record,raising more than $2.6 million to fightpediatric braincancer. In October, theGretna HeritageFestivalhad one of itsbestlineups ever,with John Fogarty,The Beach Boys andmore. Mid-City BayouBoogaloo floateda stage on BayouSt. John for thefirst time.

by Will Coviello |

Butatyear’send,there arebig questions fortwo festivals. BUKU Music+ ArtProject held an event in March, butinAugust announced it would notreturnin 2023.Voodoo Fest wascancelled, and it’s unclear if it will return

Throughoutthe year,festivalsand events showingthe broadrange of localculture returned,including LafitteSeafood Festival,Gentilly Fest, BeignetFest, Westbank HeritageFestival,Southern Decadence,Red Dress Run,Tales of theCocktail, NOWFE, GreekFest, TetFest and more. TheNOLAEast Festival debutedinJoe BrownPark. Foundedin2020, theNew Orleans Juneteenth Festival had itsfirst eventwithoutCovid restrictions. Afterafew yearsofabsence,New OrleansPRIDE returned under new leadership andresumed itsparade Carnival wastruncatedin2022. NewOrleans condensedits parade routes,loppingoff theMagazine Streetblocksofits Uptown route. (Shorter routes also will be used in 2023.)But thescheduleloosened up abit this year.The Kreweof NefertitiparadesinNew Orleans East well before theclusterof paradesinthe official 12-day windowoffloat parades. Chewbacchus and some walking paradesalso movedupinthe calendar to take advantageofopendates.Nyx fieldeda muchshorter than usual paradeafter membershipdropped duetocontroversies overleadership notsupporting BlackLives Matter, and severaloffshootgroupsofthe krewe marched with other parades

In Jefferson, Carnival also saw changes, includingthe debutofthe Krewe of Symphonyand returnof Atlasonthe East Bank.Onthe West Bank,the Culinary Queens had their first parade,but Adonis did notroll.

On theculturalfront,several museum spaces reopened and/ or grew.The Backstreet Cultural Museum movedtoa newhome at St.PhillipStreet.The Houseof Danceand Feathers, which had

beendamaged by HurricaneIda, reopened.The Louisiana Endowment forthe Humanities opened agallery spacededicated to theworkofJohn T. Scott. TheMusic BoxVillageadded new musicalart installations,includingcollaborationswith Lonnie Holley and Papa TitosSompa. Prospect.5 washampered by the pandemicand installation delays NewYorkartistSimoneLeigh’s sculpture wasn’t installeduntil the finalweeks of theexpo.

Therewereseveral newadditions on theart andentertainment front. TheNational WorldWar II Museum put itsgiant canopy to useinanew multimedia show celebratingthe manycitizenswho contributedto thewar effort.InArabi,the Meraux Foundation opened an open-air arts park on St.Claude Avenue to host music,filmand culturalevents. In December, anew holidayparade was introduced downtown,albeitone withcommerciallysponsoredfloats. Many artistsand culture bearers were lost in 2022.Theyinclude cartoonistand former Gambit contributor BunnyMatthews, entertainer and French Quarterpersonality ChrisOwens,formerK&B drugstore founderand philanthropist Sydney Besthoff,and Tennessee Williams scholarKenneth Holditch.

As theyearcloseswith Carnival and spring festival announcements loominginthe newyear, festivals andculture have returned to their regularplace,commandingattention and engagingcreativespiritsin NewOrleans

Formoreonthe year in entertainment,see Music(page 41)and GoingOut (page42)

NewYear’sEve fireworks

THEREAREFIREWORKSOVERTHE MISSISSIPPIRIVERANDDOWNTOWN riverfronttousher in 2023.The show also willbelivestreamed on wwl.com. Visitcrescentcitycountdown.com fordetails

Samantha Fish and JesseDayton

GUITARISTJESSEDAYTONISBESTKNOWN FORHISWORKWITHCOUNTRYMUSIC

LEGENDS including WillieNelsonand Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash Butthe Texasnativehas also delved into punk,rockabillyand more He andNew Orleans blues rocker Samantha Fishrecordedanalbum together that is dueout in summer 2023.They’re on tour together and performatTipitina’s.EricJohanson opens at 9p.m.Friday, Dec. 30 Tickets $32attipitinas.com.

Billy Strings

GUITARPHENOMENONBILLYSTRINGS

WONA2021BESTBLUEGRASSALBUM Grammyaward forhis album “Home.”InNovember,hereleased a“Me/And/Dad,” abluegrass and classic countrycollaborationwith TerryBarber,who raised him. He’s in town forshows at 8p.m.Friday, Dec. 30,and 9p.m.Saturday,Dec 31,atthe UNOLakefront Arena. Find ticketsvia arena.uno.edu

Sugar Bowl

THEALABAMACRIMSONTIDEFACETHE KANSASSTATEWILDCATS in theSugar Bowl at 11 a.m. Saturday,Dec.31, in theCaesars Superdome. Events surroundingthe game include a parade with floats and marching bands,which beginsat2:30 p.m. Friday,Dec.30onElysian Fields and DecaturStreet.There’sa tailgating festival in Champions Squarebeginning at 9a.m.Saturday,Dec.31. Visit allstatesugarbowl.orgfor information aboutticketsand events

DJ Soul Sister’s NewYear’s EveSoulTrain

“QUEENOFTHERAREGROOVE”DJSOUL SISTERHOSTSTHE20THEDITION of herfunkand soul NewYear’s Eve

PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER /THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

RogerDaltrey,PeteTownshend andTheWhoheadlinedthe firstNewOrleansJazz& HeritageFestivalsince2019.

THUMBS UP/ THUMBS DOWN

THE COUNT #

GreaterNewOrleansFoundation

gave $75,000 in grants to six nonprofitsinJefferson,St. Bernard, St.Charles and Orleans parishesworkingtohelppeople recoverfromtornadoes that hit theareaonDec.14. Thegrants were spread to Community CenterofSt. Bernard, Handson NewOrleans,Jefferson Community Foundation,Second Harvest Food Bank,UnitedWay of St.Charles and VIA LINK.The stormthathit theNew Orleans area last week spawned twotornadoes,killing onepersoninSt. Charles Parishand destroying homesinGretnaand Arabi.

TheMid-BaratariaSediment Diversion, aproject that would reconnectthe MississippiRiver withthe Barataria Basininan effort to rebuild21squaremiles of wetlands,was last week awardedcrucialpermits by theArmyCorps of Engineers, allowing construction to begin in March. Thepermits come withconditionsthe statemust comply with onceconstruction begins, includingmonitoring thediversion’s effectsonfisheries,how it impactsnearbyrebuilt wetlands,and if it creates floodinginlocal communities

KathleenSearles,apolitical communication professor at LSU, hasreceived$5million from the NationalScience Foundation to studyonlineharassmentof journalists.Searles,workingwith Rebekah TrombleofGeorge Washington University,will use thegrant to create asystemof care to providejournalists with socialand technicalresources

Capt.MichelleWoodfork namedasinterimNOPDchief

POLICECAPTAINMICHELLE

WOODFORKHASBEENAPPOINTED as theinterim chiefofthe New OrleansPoliceDepartment, MayorLaToyaCantrell announced Dec. 20.

Woodfork has served nearly 32 years at NOPD.She took overaschiefonDec.22, when Police Superintendent ShaunFergusonofficially steppeddown.

She is thefirst womantolead thedepartmentand comes from afamily of lawenforcement officers.Her late uncle, Warren Woodfork,servedas thecity’sfirst Blackpolicechief from 1985 to 1991.Hediedin March2022.

Cantrell praisedMichelle Woodfork forhonest work and forrising throughthe ranks overthe years.

“I don’t make decisions in a vacuum,” shesaid. “Itwas her grit,her tenacity,hardwork, determination, endurance, strong andsteadfast focus.”

Cantrell said Woodfork’s interimstatusaschief could becomepermanent —but that would requireCityCouncil approval under anew City

Charter amendmentthattakes effect Jan.1,2023. Earlier this fall,New Orleaniansvoted overwhelminglyinfavor of a councilconfirmationprocess fortop appointees in theexecutivebranch.

Thecouncil continuestopush foranational search,asdoes NewOrleans Inspector General Ed Michel.

In announcingWoodfork’s promotion to interimchief, the mayorseemed to begrudginglyaccept thecouncil’s and Michel’s position —but shestoppedshortofcalling her final selectionprocess anationalsearch.Cantrell also reiterated her belief that someone from within NOPD’s ranks would be best suited to lead theforce

“It’sa search.Anyone interested canapply.But I’mnot embracingthe terminology— the[word]‘national,’”Cantrell said.“Ibelieve 100% that it starts with Michelle Woodfork, and other men andwomen in thedepartmentwho deserve fair consideration.”

Theactual number is likely higher,as some recent deaths arestill beingdetermined.Accordingtothe Metropolitan CrimeCommission, this is a31% increaseoverthe same time periodlast year and thehighest thecityhas seen since2003. To date,therehave been 668shootingincidents reported, nearly athird of which have resulted in fatalities. NOPDfaces mounting pressure to fixthe crimeproblem,and theCity Council andresidents alikecontinue to push foranational search to find a permanent leader whocan turn these figuresaround.

36.7%

PHOTO BY CHRISGRANGER /THE TIMES-PICAYUNE CaptainMichelleWoodforkhasbeenappointedastheinterim chiefoftheNewOrleansPoliceDepartment.

JEFF LANDRY WILL SUDDENLY FIND HISBRAIN

Council PresidentHelena Moreno issued astatement congratulating Woodfork and said shelooks forwardto collaboratingwithher to bring much-needed reformstothe department.

Moreno added that theadministrationshould look beyond the city fora potentiallaw enforcementleader.

“The [NOPD] andthe people of this city deservethe most qualifiedleadertopermanently replaceShaunFerguson,” Moreno’s statement said “Appointing anew interimchief and launchinga national search will providethe opportunityto find that person.”

District ACouncilmember JoeGiarrussoIII andDistrictC Councilmember Freddie King III also weighed in afterCantrell’s announcement

“Asthe public hasdemanded, thecastingofa wide netfor a permanentchief is important,” Giarrussosaid.

King thankedthe mayor for“listening to thepeople of this cityand allowing the City Council to confirm our next police chief.”Headded, “Itisimportanttoeveryonethat we getthisright,and theonly waytoget this rightistohear and listen to thepeople of this city andthatiswhatI plan to do.”

Cantrell said shewill work with aconsultant,whomshe did not identify,and hopestofinda permanentchief quickly.

“We’re notlookingata long and drawn-outprocess,” she said.— SARAHRAVITS

wouldliftthe caponroyalty payments Louisianaand other statesfor energy production in federalwaters.

Thestate got$156 millionin 2020,which wassplit between stateand parishgovernments

Cassidy said thebill that he hopedtoget addedtothe spendingmeasurewould allocate $1.9 billion to Louisiana over10years.

TheBaton RougeRepublican said backerswerepeppered

APUSHTOLANDNEARLY$2BILLIONFOR COASTALRESTORATIONin Louisiana through higher royaltypayments has failed forthe year,U.S.Sen Bill CassidysaidDec.20.

“Thisisextremely frustrating because it wasnot just about Louisianabut aboutevery coastal community in thecountry,” Cassidy told reporters

Cassidy andU.S.Sen.John Kennedy,R-Madisonville, have pushed to geta proposal added to a$1.7 trillionomnibus spendingbill that Congress hasto passthisweek to keep government operating.

Thebill, called theReinvesting in ShorelineEconomiesand EcosystemAct of 2022 (RISEE)

withquestions on howthe new formula would be financed

“Theykeptsaying‘We need to find away to payfor it,’” Cassidy says.

He said Kennedy did just that but“that didn’t work.”

He said supporters offereda two-year rollout, and away to payfor it,insteadofputting it in placefor adecade.

“Thatdidn’twork,”Cassidysaid.

“Theykeptmovingthe goalposts. Forsomereason, Iamnot sure why, they didn’twantthis to pass. That is whyIkeep going back to this is chaosbydesign.”

Cassidy notedthatthe RISEE bill emerged from aSenatecommittee withoutadissentingvote.

“WeworkonitnextCongress,” he said

Louisiana andother Gulf Coast states were previously shut outof royaltypaymentsbecause theoil and gas wasbeing producedin U. S. territorialwatersthatbegan aboutninenautical miles offshore

In 2006 theGulfofMexico Energy Security Act, called GOMESA,was enactedand set up arevenue-sharingprogram to offset damagescausedbydrilling that generates money forthe federalgovernment —WILLSENTELL/ THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Pushforhikeincoastal restorationdollarsis deadfor2022

PHOTO BY HILARY SCHEINUK/ THEADVOCATE Sen.BillCassidy

TheTop10Political Storiesof2022

YOUCAN’TGOANYWHERE INNEWORLEANSTHESE DAYS withouthearing people grouse —or gossip —aboutMayor LaToya Cantrell.As 2022 grinds to aclose, themayornicknamed “Teedy” findsherself thetargetofarecall drive co-led by aguy nicknamed “Noonie Man.”Whereelse butherewould that makeperfect sense? Herewithmyannual recapofthe year’s top politicalstories 1.CANTRELL’S

CONUNDRUMS—

Heronner’s once-stratospheric approval ratings fell like Icarus to thesea this year,spawning arecalldrive amid themayor’s own“Top10” list of scandals Thefedsare investigatingher “image consultant”payingcash forCantrell’s wardrobe.She’s living,rent-free,inacity-owned Pontalba apartmentintended forvisitingdignitaries.She flew first-class to glitzy destinations to sign symbolic “sistercity” agreements,then initially refused to reimburse thecity(as required by law) forthe excess costs. She comfortedayoung carjackerat hisJuvenileCourt sentencing as hisvictims satinhorrornearby. Herjuvenilejaildirectorresigned amid reportsofhis excessive absenteeism, astaff exodusand repeated escapesfromthe facility. Short-term rentalsproliferated as regulation became virtually nonexistent.Her utilities advisor resigned afterreppingbig tech companieslookingtocashinon “smartcities” programs— while he worked on Cantrell’s smart cities plan.She triedtoresuscitate theWisner Trust afteritexpired, jeopardizing millions of city dollars.Violent crimecontinued.And theIndependentPoliceMonitor allegedpolicetried to intimidate Belden “NoonieMan”Batiste, whonow co-leads therecalldrive against Cantrell

2.THECOUNCILFLEXESITS

MUSCLE— Ledbyat-large Councilmembers Helena Moreno and JP Morrell, theCityCouncil challenged Cantrell at everyturn,

from de-fundingseveral “underperforming” departments to securing voterapproval of aCityCharter amendmentrequiringcouncil approval of topmayoralappointees afterJan.1,2023. Thecouncil also gainedcontrol over billing policies at theSewerage and WaterBoard, which themayorchairs.

3.COPSANDCRIME— Whoknew thenew charteramendmentwould come into play so soon?When PoliceChief Shaun Ferguson announceda Dec. 22 departure, thecouncil immediatelydemanded Cantrell name an interimchief and conduct anationalsearchfor Ferguson’sreplacement—subject to councilvetting andapproval. Heronner acquiesced buthinted she’snot likely to look beyond NOPD’sranks afternamingCapt. Michelle Woodfork interimchief. Woodfork takesoveradepartment racked by lowmorale and dissension.Meanwhile,NOPDhas backslidinits compliancewitha federal civil-rightsconsent decree

4.DAJASONWILLIAMS

ACQUITTED— Williamswon the district attorney’s race twoyears ago whilefacingafederal taxfraud indictment. In July,jurorsacquitted himonall 10 counts.Now,with Cantrell’s fortunes waning,he’sthe most influentialpoliticianintown. Hisname cropsupoften during speculation aboutthe next mayor’s race,which could come sooner than manythink

PHOTO BY CHRISGRANGER / THETIMES-PICAYUNE

MayorLaToyaCantrell

5.KARENCARTERPETERSON’S

FALL— Once arisingstarin localand nationalpolitics, KCP resigned her state Senate seat in April andacknowledgedher longstandingstruggle with gamblingaddiction.InAugust,she pleadedguiltytoasinglefederal countof wirefraud inconnection withher useofcampaign and state politicalparty funds(which she has repaid). Peterson is scheduledtobesentenced on Jan.11.

6.PROGRESSIVESONAROLL—

Localprogressives have changed thecity’spolitical landscape, thanks to theirown superb grassroots organizing andto national donorswho bankrolled million-dollarmedia attack campaigns.Thatcombinationelected DA JasonWilliams in 2020 and SheriffSusan Hutson in 2021.Earlier this month,politicalnewcomer DavanteLewis of BatonRouge upsetthree-term Public Service Commissioner LambertBoissiere III of New Orleansinprogressives’ first regionalwin

7.REDISTRICTING— The Republican-majority Legislature adopted redistricting plansthat guarantee continuedGOP dominanceinLouisiana.Democratic Gov. John BelEdwards vetoed thenew congressional map, arguingthatour state’s 33%Black population justifies asecond Black-majority district. Republican lawmakersoverrode JBE’sveto, and theU.S.SupremeCourt backed them up.

8.RUNUPTOTHE2023

GOVERNOR’SRACE— Apassel of GOPwannabe governors madetheir first movesthisyear. AG Jeff Landry,ofNew Iberia, stakedhis claim to thefar-right lane earlyvia an endorsement fromDonaldTrumpJr. Lt.Gov. Billy Nungesser,state Treasurer John Schroder,state Sen.Sharon Hewitt andstate Rep. Richard Nelson appeared readyto announceearly next year —until U.S. Sen.JohnNeely Kennedy said he mayrun.Interestingly, allfiveofthem live in St TammanyParish. Speaking of fives, this is thefifth time Kennedy hasflirted with running forgovernor.At71, it’s nowor neverfor him. Democratsdon’t have acandidateyet,but state Transportation Secretary ShawnWilson’sname has beenfloated

9.GOPCULTUREWARS—

Republicansdeclaredwar on theLGBTQ community, women withproblempregnanciesand librarians in 2022,all in thename of protecting children. State lawmakerspasseda veto-proof anti-trans bill and an anti-abortion bill that subjectsdoctors and otherstojailterms andfines.AG Jeff Landry recently pennedan op-edrailing against librarians whomake“porn” available to young readers —though he failed to namea single book that threatenskids’ virtue. Meanwhile, most of us cannamemultiple high-profile Republicansaccused of sex crimes against young people

PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THETIMES-PICAYUNE OrleansParishSheriffSusanHutson

10.SHERIFFHUTSONSTRUGGLES

OUTTHE(CELL)BLOCK—

Ajail

uprising,staffingshortages,inmate deaths,scandalized deputiesand apissed-offfederal magistrateall foundtheir wayontoSheriffSusan Hutson’s rookie-yearbingo card in 2022.U.S.Magistrate Michael Northupbraided Hutson,a lawyer, fornot moving faster (oratall)to buildacourt-ordered healthcare facility forinmatesand forfailing to notify himofviolence, deaths, and athree-day protest at thelocal jail.“Notaword. Silence. Crickets,” Northfumed.Hutsonpromisedto do better goingforward

This much is certain:“Crickets” won’tbeanybody’sdescription of localand state politics in 2023. HappyNew Year!

NEWORLEANS from hisnativeSicily. He purchasedahouse at Canaland Cortezstreetsand opened abar and grocerystore on theground floor. Like other corner storeowners, Mandinaand hisfamilylived above thebusiness.Thatincludedhis wife, Frances,and twosons, Anthonyand Frank,who were bornupstairs

In the early 1930s,the business evolvedintoa sandwichshop, oyster barand poolhall. Sebastian Mandina’ssons would take over afterhis deathinOct.1933. When they went overseastoserve in WorldWar II,Anthony’swife, Hilda, ranthe business.The Miss Hilda Saladnamedfor her isstill on the menu.The business expanded into afull-servicerestaurantand barwhen thewar ended and the Mandinabrothersreturned.

“Anthony ranthe kitchen,I ran thebar and gradually theplace and themenubothbegan to grow,” Frank Mandinatold The Times-Picayunein1979. Over the years,Mandina’sbecame known forits friedseafood,Creole and Italianspecialties

—who wasraisedupstairsinthe family residenceand started workinginthe restaurantasa child assumed ownership in 1975

In the1990s,the restaurant expanded into aformer barbershop next door.For ashorttime, theMandinafamily also operated arestaurantonConti Street in the French Quarter.

In 2005,Hurricane Katrinaand thefederal leveefailuresdevastatedthe Mid-City building.Tommy Mandina’sdaughter, Cindy,who began working thereasateenager, hadjust takenoverday-to-day operations priortothe storm. As thefourth-generationproprietor,she oversaw renovations to thebuilding, whichreopened in February2007. She also ledthe openingofMandina’srestaurants in BatonRouge and Mandeville.The BatonRouge restaurant hassince closed.Thereisnoconnection to Tony Mandina’sRestaurantin Gretna,which opened in 1982

Born Dec. 26,1947, in NewOrleans,Portergrewupinthe city’s 13th Ward and first beganplaying musicasa teenager.In1965, he andhis cousin,drummerJoseph“Zigaboo”Modeliste, co-founded TheMeters with ArtNevilleand LeoNocentelli

In addition to theirown recordings, TheMeterslater became thehouse band forAllen Toussaint’s recording studio, backing musiclegends Paul McCartney, Dr.John, LeeDorsey,EarlKingand Robert Palmer as well as Labelleonthe 1974 hit“Lady Marmalade.”

They also toured with theRolling Stones and influenced countlessmusicians,fromthe Beastie Boys,Red HotChili Peppersand LedZeppelinto Run DMC,N.W.A.and QueenLatifah,all of whom sampledThe Meters

Theband brokeupin1977but therewereshows over theyears reuniting allorsomeofthe members. Porter also formed hisown group, theRunnin’ Pardners

TheMeters’ 1969 classic “Cissy Strut” wasinducted into theGrammy Hall of Fame in 2011.In2013, thegroup received aBig Easy Lifetime AchievementAward.In2018, they were honored with aGrammyLifetime AchievementAward

Porter remainsactiveonthe musicscene.Hehas agig this week (Dec 26)atThe Fillmore NewOrleans and afullslate of touringdates scheduled into thespring.

AnthonyMandina’sson,Tommy

THISWEEKWEWISHAHAPPY75THBIRTHDAYTOONEOFTHEFATHERSOFFUNK, George Porter Jr.AfoundingmemberofThe Meters,Porterisregardedas oneofthe all-time greatest bass guitar players

PHOTO BY MICHAELDEMOCKER / THETIMES-PICAYUNE

Mandina’satCanaland Cortezstreets

Predictably Unpredictable

BY KAYLEE POCHE AND SARAH RAVITS

ITWASANUNPREDICTABLEANDYET

PREDICTABLYWEIRDYEAR for local news as New Orleans and the surrounding area continued to recover from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Ida and a series of tornadoes and infrastructure woes.

New Orleans started out 2022 dealing with the chaotic aftermath of 2021, including Ida. In January, contributing writer Domonique Tolliver wrote about residents seeking mental health care following Louisiana’s all-too-frequent natural disasters on top of the pandemic Tolliver, still a college student herself, highlighted young peoples’ struggles as they try to stabilize their emotional and housing needs amid a nationwide shortage of resources.

In February, Tolliver spoke with Leona Tate, who at 6 years old in 1960 was one of four Black girls to desegregate New Orleans public schools when Tate, Tessie Prevost and Gail Etienne started classes at McDonogh 19 That same morning, Ruby Bridges attended William Frantz Elementary School. In the spring, Tate opened a civil rights museum and learning center at the former McDonogh 19 building.

Carnival season marked a triumphant return to most (but not all) parade routes The Krewe of Thoth again saw its route truncated so as to exclude its traditional homage to hospitalized children and a group of Catholic nuns on Henry Clay Avenue Meanwhile, those who wanted to celebrate from home rebounded with the Krewe of House Floats The pandemic-inspired concept became an annual tradition, regardless of restrictions or geographic coordinates

Elsewhere, the city edged toward a code-red crisis (at least for our editor): a Jameson shortage at local bars heading into the thick of Carnival

season. Thankfully, the crisis was averted when there was a push to restock after our reporting. Now that’s what we call impact journalism!

As Carnival festivities made a major comeback and downtown once again became a celebratory hub, Sarah Ravits and editor John Stanton took to the streets to check in with French Quarter buskers. Several current and former street artists shared personal backstories with us They discussed what inspires them to keep doing this kind of work and how they got creative during the Covid lockdowns to keep up their gigs and boost morale among the rest of us

They also aired grievances about being exploited by tourism campaigns which use their likenesses to attract visitors without proper, if any, compensation. They shared frustrations over city laws regarding public spaces, which are confusing and interpreted in different ways depending on which local agency is enforcing them, often to the performers’ detriment.

Around this time, city officials lifted indoor mask mandates and vaccine and negative test requirements.

Between the excitement over the return of parades and our favorite festivals, we listened to residents’ tales of broken cabinets, hose attacks and newly formed moats for our story on property damage from the city’s infrastructure failures Some New Orleanians incurred thousands of dollars worth of damages.

We followed up with a story on the city’s often reactive approach to infrastructure woes over the years and City Hall’s overreliance on patchwork fixes, like paving over a sinking road instead of excavating it to fix the broken pipe underneath

While these infrastructural problems remain some of the biggest local challenges, there’s also the ongoing affordable housing crisis, largely brought on by a proliferation of short-term rentals. To mitigate the problem, the City Council has been implementing new regulations and pressuring the administration to finally start enforcing existing STR laws.

Earlier this year the council issued a temporary moratorium on STR permits in residential properties, an issue that will be addressed again

in 2023 as council members seek permanent solutions The city also ramped up its code enforcement office by hiring more staff and recently began issuing hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Expect plenty more on that in the new year

With all the discussion about juvenile crime in the city, we did a cover story in April after talking to people who work with kids about what they actually need. Their answers? Investment in mental health resources both inside and outside of schools, and accessible social programming for children

We also checked in with our neighbors down the bayou in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes. Though largely forgotten by the national media, the region still struggles to

PHOTO BY TODD A. PRICE / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD/ THE TIMES-PICAYUNE TheGreaterNewOrleansregionisrecovering

bounce back from Hurricane Ida. Residentsrelyonthe kindnessofstrangers,mutual aidgroupsand volunteers to helprebuild theircommunities Government assistance remains slow,and insurancecompanies have left thestate in droves aftershort-changing many property ownersafter Ida.

Onebrightsignofrecovery, though,was thereopeningof theIntracoastal Club in Houma, which had becomea hubfor cre-

atives,self-described“misfit toys” andthe LGBTQcommunity

Owners Tony and Whitney Bergeron,along with severalof theclub’s regulars andperformers, describedhow important thevenue is to them and shared fond memories aboutcreatinga senseofplace there.

Theircollectivedetermination to rebuild— and alot of patience —finally paidoff when theclub reopened,just in time foranextra sparklyand jubilant Halloween reunion.

TheLouisiana legislative sessionwas particularly cruel to theLGBTQ community this year.Lawmakerspersisted in theirattemptstomakethe lives of transyouth moredifficult, finally succeedinginpassing an anti-trans sports measure they’vetried foryears to enact.

On theplusside, LGBTQrights advocatesmobilizing public opposition to defeat a“Don’tSay Gay” bill andanother measure targetinggenderaffirmingcare.

NewOrleans wasespecially readyfor aPride parade after allthis, butorganizersstruggled to find an affordable trashcontract, whichtheyneededtoroll. Afterour reporting,cityofficials connectedwithorganizers. They securedatrash contract, and theshowwenton.

In August, we looked at the stateofLouisiana’s adoption and foster care system.Recent yearshave broughtmajor shifts

PHOTO BY SCOTTTHRELKELD/THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

ThePrideparadewentonincelebrationofLGBTQrights

toward more trauma-informed practices but the child welfare system still hasn’t recovered from Jindal-era budget cuts. Louisiana struggles to recruit foster parents and child welfare workers.

Our “sportsketball” correspondent Liam Pierce laid out predictions for the seasons of New Orleans’ two professional teams. He predicted that the Saints’ defense would be their savior in the absence of an offensive threat That didn’t happen.

But Pierce rightly predicted that the Saints’ abysmal play would yield the ascent of New Orleans as a basketball city The Pelicans have been on fire, and unofficial team captain CJ McCollum paid us and our partners JRNOLA a visit, complete with an exclusive interview.

JRNOLA, a nonprofit journalism program for New Orleans BIPOC high schoolers, published a whopping nine stories in Gambit in 2022 on a wide range of subjects, including music, sports and the ways that social media is shaping trends.

To kick off December, French President Emmanuel Macron paid a visit to New Orleans, the first French president to do so since 1976 Poche on a shrimp-and-grits high followed Macron as he toured our finest French Quarter potholes and showed extreme self-re-

straint by resisting the urge to pet the Secret Service dogs

New Orleans lost two talented and beloved writers to cancer this year: Suzanne Pfefferle

Tafur in July and Christy Lorio in November Both were Gambit contributors Tafur was a busy wife and mom to two young boys who shared family recipes and wrote many entertaining features for us. She was endlessly curious, had a fabulous eye for design and loved to travel while always embracing her hometown of New Orleans.

In her final months, Lorio continued to write, take photographs and share her experiences with people far and wide on social media She also had just published a touching essay collection about her terminal illness The essay was a wonderful mix of dark humor and sweetness especially toward her husband Thomas Fewer.

Lorio’s love of reading and writing inspired our staff to share our own recommendations for readers seeking a little introspection this winter

On that note, we hope everyone has a peaceful holiday season and a prosperous 2023.

We look forward to continuing covering the good, the bad and the weird with you again next year

PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

FrenchpresidentEmmanuelMacronwithMayorLaToya CantrellinDecember

Combating Climate Doom

BY KAYLEE POCHE AND SARAH RAVITS

WITHAGRANTFROMTHESOLUTIONS

JOURNALISMNETWORK, Gambit in 2022 attempted to help ward off climate doom by reporting on solutions to the problems climate change has created, with an emphasis on labor. Alas, we may not have solved the climate crisis once and for all, but we’re encouraged by some of the innovative solutions in the works, both here in South Louisiana and in other places nationally and internationally

There are a number of people working on climate solutions and starting new projects in our region In the near future, the burgeoning offshore wind industry is set to make waves in the Gulf and beyond reducing our reliance on oil and gas. And with that, Louisiana could become a green hydrogen hub, with projects in development around the state. There are also some incredibly promising efforts at the grassroots level, like the glass recycling program started by college students that is now gaining international attention and national grants.

In June, we shipped staff writer Sarah Ravits off to a conference in Providence, Rhode Island, to learn more about the burgeoning offshore wind industry There she got to see the country’s first offshore wind farm, which many South Louisianans actually helped build.

Ravits wrote an article on what Louisiana can learn from Rhode Island as companies begin the long process of building wind farms on a much larger scale in the Gulf of Mexico. In another story with staff writer Kaylee Poche, they learned all about the state’s potential for offshore wind and how we could have wind farms up and running by the end of the decade.

Then in August, contributing writer Domonique Tolliver talked with the residents of coastal Louisiana on the frontlines of climate change

about their fight to protect not only their homes but their culture Fishing is inextricably linked to the ways of life in these places, where Cajun, Indigenous, Black, Vietnamese and Filipino communities live, and frequent storms and coastal erosion have threatened their livelihoods

In September, Ravits and Poche explored the possibilities of “green hydrogen” and why state and federal government are investing $75 million into funding a new project led by the Greater New Orleans Development Foundation, to transition the regional hydrogen energy sector It’s another way that Louisiana could clean up its air and create more jobs

South Louisiana was thankful for a miraculously quiet hurricane season this year. But we certainly hadn’t forgotten spending more than a week without power after Hurricane Ida in 2021 nor how much more expensive our power bills have been this year compared to last

That’s why in November, we dared to answer the question many have been asking for years: Could the city bid adieu to Entergy

New Orleans and have its own public power utility? We found the answer is surprise! complicated. Going from private to public power is no easy feat but a few places have found success with varying approaches

Later that month, we looked at how a popular local glass recycling operation started by then-Tulane undergrads Max Steitz and Franziska Trautmann in 2020 is helping restore Louisiana’s coast, one grain of sand at a time With their ReCoast initiative, Glass Half Full is partnering with Tulane researchers, and the team

is excited about the results so far: The marsh plants researchers are testing are thriving in the manmade sand from recycled glass

Through their large social media following and local volunteer opportunities, Glass Half Full is making coastal restoration accessible, and the ReCoast team’s efforts even caught the hazel eyes of Kelly Clarkson in November

Toward the end of the year, we also asked for your feedback on what climate stories you’d like to see us tackle, and you delivered. Expect those in 2023

Efforts to clean up the environment are also creating new jobs

PHOTO BY SOPHIA

DICKIEBRENNAN’S PALACE CAFE DUCK HASH

FREY MEATS

BBQEGGSBENEDICT

Freyoffersbrunchinadditiontoaward-winning barbecue,burgersandshakes.TheirBBQEggs Benedictcomeswithyourchoiceofpulledporkor brisketwithpoachedeggs,hollandaisesauce,over biscuits.

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FLAMINGO-A-GO-GO

CRISPY CHICKENBLT

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14PARISHES

ACKEEANDSALTFISH

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LEGACY KITCHEN’STACKLEBOX

FRIEDCHICKEN&WAFFLES

LegacyKitchen’sTackleBoxcombinesallthat theSouthhastoofferinhospitalityandculinary greatness.Theirdailybrunchmenufeaturesbacon studdedFriedChicken&Waffleswithpepperjelly maplesyrup.

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SATSUMACREAMSICLE PAINPERDU

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KATIE’SRESTAURANT OYSTERSLESSINGER

Katie’sofferschargrilledoystersonthebrunchmenu! Choose½dozenordozen. Alsoavailable:Oyster Slessinger—chargrilledoysterstoppedwithcreamy provelshrimp,spinachandbacon.

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PEACOCKROOM

AVOCADO&TOMATOTOAST

ThePeacockRoom,locatedintheCentralBusiness District,servesanelevatedAvocado&TomatoToast thatpairsperfectlywithanybrunchcocktail.Topped withwhippedricotta,pickledredonion,cucumber, togarashi

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THETASTING ROOM

PAIN PERDU

TheTastingRoompridesitselfonuniquebrunch combinationsandflavors.The“PainPerdu”isoneof fanfavorites.FeaturingBriocheBread,Pecan-Cane Syrup,Bacon,FriedEgg,FreshFruit,&Jam.Fora perfectcombination,enjoyourbottomlessmimosas orbloodyMarys. EverySaturday&Sundaytill3pm DragBrunchperformancesbi-weekly!

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CREOLE HOUSE

SHRIMP ANDGRITS

CreoleHouse’sShrimpandGritsisalocalfavorite.Built withGulfshrimplightlysauteedinwhitewineand butterwithcherrytomatoes,shallotsandfreshherbs AddaBloodyMaryandyou’reenjoyingtwoNew Orleansbrunchfavorites.

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LEGACY KITCHEN’SCRAFT TAVERN

CRAWFISH&EGGBEIGNETS

LegacyKitchen’sCraftTavernservestwistsonaNew Orleansbrunchdailyuntil4pm.TheirCrawfish&Egg Beignets,picturedhere,areaLegacyKitchenoriginal

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NICE GUYSNOLA

CATFISHAND GRITS

NiceGuysNOLA’sCrispyFriedCatfishonabedof GoudaGritsbringsbrunchtoanewlevel.Stopbyfor brunchmenuspecialsservedSaturday-Monday. niceguysnola.com

NEYOW’SXL

CLASSICPANCAKES

Neyow’sXLoffersanelevatedbrunchexperience everySunday11am-2pm,perfectforgroups.Pair acocktailwiththeirFrenchToastandPancakes–servedwithfreshfruit,eggsofanystyleandchoice ofbaconorsausage.

THEVINTAGE

THEVINTAGE BREAKFAST

TheVintageservescoffee,beignets,bubbles,andbites onMagazineSt.TheVintageBreakfasttopscreamygrits withchunkybacon,cheddarcheeseandapoachedegg. Stopbyfortheirmorningandeveninghappyhoursfrom 8a-11a&3p-6pdaily

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WILLAJEAN

BBQSHRIMPTOAST

WillaJeanservesupoldandnewSouthernclassics forbreakfastandbrunchdailyfrom7a-3p.TheirBBQ ShrimpToastpilesLouisianashrimp,NOLA-styleBBQ sauce,andburrataontoastedsourdough. willajean.com

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STREETCARCAFE

CRAB CAKEBENEDICT

StopbyStreetcarCafeforhousemadebeignets, specialtycoffeeandtheirCrabCakeBenedict:a Grilledcrabcakeservedoverbuttermilkbiscuit, toppedwithtwopoachedeggsfınishedwith Hollandaisesauce.

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TITO’S CEVICHE&PISCO SHRIMP&GRITS

Tito’stwistonShrimp&GritscomeswithLouisiana shrimp,ajipancasauce,Peruviancorn&gritswith quesofresco. titoscevichepisco.com

MESSINA’SRUNWAYCAFE

FRIEDGREENTOMATO REMOULADE

Lightlyfriedfreshgreentomatoestoppedwithjumbo GulfShrimp–Housemaderemouladedrizzle. messinasrunwaycafe.com

EAT + DRINK

Servicewithasmile

WHENTHESECONDPARTYOF10DIDN’T SHOWUPFORITSRESERVATION at oneofthe French Quarter’sgrande dame restaurants theweekbefore Christmas, theowner justabout had astroke. “When Isaw whothis was, Icouldn’tbelieve it,” shesaid. “We’re goingtohave to charge them —and if they thinkthey’re coming back during MardiGras or next Christmas,forgetabout it.Weboughtextra seafood, and crab is $38a pound rightnow!Our staff gotscrewedontheir tips.It’s unbelievable theway people are behaving in restaurants.”

Yes, 2022 is theyearthatthe pandemic“honeymoon”crashed and burned.Customerswentfrom beingall,“You’re essential workers, thank you, thank you,”to“What do youmeanthere’snoJameson?I want to seethe manager.”

“Customersare back to acting entitled,” says one chef in Uptown Alabor shortagewas spawned as hospitality workersexitedthe industryindroves. Theservice industry is notbackto“normal,” whatever that meansintoday’s currentstate of affairs, whereeverythingfrominflation to supply chainand laborissues dominatethe conversation.

“Restaurants won’tgainground untilconventions areback,”says another chef.“When conventions of 50,000 people areinthe city, thereisa massivespilloverof diners. Sadly, locals can’tsupport thevolumeofrestaurants in this city,particularly fine diningrestaurants. Withoutconventionbusiness, running abusiness in thehighrent district is justnot sustainable.”

Returntocivility,please

Asidefromhandingout “BeNiceor Leave”buttons to getthe message across,restaurantownersand staff expect people to step up and do the right thing. AbigailGullo, creative directoratLoa in theInternational HouseHotel,seesa lotofprogress in thepast year when it comesto bringing morewomen andpeople of colorintothe conversation.

“There’sbeenmovement, thanks to organizations like TurningTables, buttheycan only do so much,” she says.“Thereal work hastobedone in thecommunity.How doesthe community treatpeople of color andwomen?Generally,not good.”

It’s notuncommon to hear restaurateurs and customerssay, “Nobodywants to work.Where did allthe workersgo?”

“Theysay it rightinfront of us,and we arethe ones working,” says oneserverGambit spokewith.“Ican take alot less abusefor alot more money,”is howone worker explained his career shiftintosales.

“Hospitalityskillsare highly transferable to other industries, as we nowsee,”saysRobert LeBlanc,partner in theLeBlanc +Smith hospitality company. “Weare theonlyindustry that triestomakethings harder on ourselves. It’s hardenough doing business in NewOrleans.Weneed to work smarter, notharder.”

Openingandclosings

Thesteadychurn of change in the restaurant scenehasn’tabated since2020withthe lingering effectsofHurricane Ida, Covidand concerns about crimecontributingtoclosures. Emeril Lagasse shutteredEmeril’s Delmonico and NOLA, focusing insteadon thecasual cafe Meriland flagship Emeril’s.Smaller,mom andpop eateries like theoriginal Mid-City Pizza, Mayhew Bakery,Red Gravy, Cafe Amelie and GreenGoddess all served theirlast mealsin2022. Yetdespitechallenges, new restaurantskeptpoppingup. A fewnew spotsthatopenedthis year include Breakaway’s R&B, Le ChatNoir,Thai’dUpNOLAand the long-awaited DakarNOLAfromchef Serigne Mbayeand business partner EffieRichardson.Dakar NOLAis justone of thepriceytastingmenu restaurantsthatare dazzling customers. It and Lengua Madreoffer tastingmenus only,while Saint-Germain adds asmall barmenuand Yakuza Househas an omakase option

Food halls went throughsome changes, as TheHallonMag took overthe shutteredAuction House Market space. PythianMarketvendors arestill in limbo, open through theend of theyear, though the hall’s future is unclear

Expecttopaymorein2023

Preparetopay morein2023, says onechef. Many restaurantshave heldbackonincreasingmenuprices in line with theirincreased costs, but eventually they won’thave achoice. Andthatmeans staff, food,insurance, rent,permittingand other coststhataffectthe bottom line.

Onthebrightside

Allnewsisn’tbad.Gullo is clear that shelovesthe business despite

therough spots. “Manyofusare in hospitalitybecause we love what we do,” shesays. “Welove creating that senseofcommunity forour guests. We arethe gatewaytoa wonderfulexperience.”

“I am optimistic,because Ialways am,” says Lengua MadrechefAna Castro.“Doomscrolling throughour ownlives is arecipefor disaster We arecomingout of achallenging couple of years. Ihopethatwehave alllearned some lessons.IknowI have.I’m grateful andhonored to be here, having theprivilege of representingmyheritagetothe best of my abilities andsharingspace and joywithmyteamevery day.”

ForBlack Roux Collective chef Maya Mastersson,2022was ayear fornew beginnings.“Ifeellikethe restaurantindustry as awhole has takena shift in theright direction when it comestofair treatment and paymentofhospitalityworkers. However, that shift,along with therisingfoodcosts has made it extremely difficultfor smallerbusinesses,” shesays. “I remain optimistic.”

ForShermond Esteen Jr., 2022 wasactually abanneryear. After openingNonno’sonN.Claiborne Avenue at thebeginning of the pandemic,thisyearhemovedthe restaurant to theMarigny,taking overthe spacethatusedtobe Horn’s andLaPeniche. “Openinga restaurant has been an awesome experience; especially openingin themiddleofCovid,” he says.“I have foundout that people will follow younomatterwhereyou areifthe food and serviceisgood. Changinglocations wasmygreatest opportunity. Iowe so much to my loyalcustomers.”

FORK +CENTER

Emaildining@gambitweekly.com

AFTERAYEARCOVERINGNEWORLEANS

FOODANDTRYINGTOKEEPUP with an ever-changingrestaurantscene, what always standsout arethe people youmeetalong theway,and the manywaystheyexpress this city’s food culture

Theirstories filled my notebooks throughthe year;lookingback, now they fill me with gratitude forthe time they gave me, thestories they trusted me to tell,and fortheir contributions to afoodculture allofuscan share.

Making groceries

GLORIA’SGROCERY(1800CONTIST.)IS REALLYMOREABOUTPEOPLE than groceries.Itmight seem unremarkable from thestreet, butstepinsideand Gloria’s revealsa tapestry of family, friendsand community.

Thestore is aplace wherepeople come fora midday beer,a pantry staple,ahomestylelunch or an impromptuhappy hour as theevening gathers.

Gloria Hilliard, now83, hasrun this 4th Ward corner storesince 1970 Throughits doors, she’sseen the march of time, theshift of generations and thecontinuityofNew Orleansneighborhood life

“It’sall still thesame people from theneighborhood that Ifound here, so we’reall right,” shetold me “Evenwhen people leave,eventhe people we lost afterKatrina,they still have family here and they still pass by to seeus.”

Hilliard’srole in theneighborhood hasgrown too. She’sbecomea matriarchfor an extended family of regulars,akeeperofthe socialties wovenhere.

“Sometimes Igot to fuss at (customers) if they’rebeing shortwithme,” shesaid. “But they know Ilove them.”

100-year-old bread

THISYEARMARKEDACENTURYIN BUSINESSFORJOHNGENDUSABAKERY (2009Mirabeau Ave.), oneofthe last producers of po-boybread,a vitalsupplierfor acornerstoneof NewOrleans food

Rightnow thebusiness restson thepowerfully built shouldersof JasonGendusa,fourth-generation owner of theGentilly bakery

“Thereare so fewofusmaking this kind of breadnow,” Gendusa said of hiscalling.“Ifeellikewe have to keep it goingfor that reason as much as anything.”

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER Co-ownerSerigneMbaye(left) withchefsIndigoMartinand SharenaSmithatthenewtasting menurestaurantDakarNOLA.

Ayear of change in NewOrleans’ dining scene by Beth D’Addono |

Gendusa is trying to laythe groundwork to makethe passagetothe next generationsmoother,and more likely.Thatmeans makingthe bakery more efficient andstreamlinedfor thefuture, when histwo grade school daughters,Laurenand Leah,could take over —iftheywantto.

“I want to turn overabusiness that they canmanage,” he said “But just like when Ifirst gotintothe business,theywill have achoice.”

Tigris andEuphrates

IWENTTOALMASGOOF(5024W. ESPLANADEAVE.,METAIRIE) forits namesakedish, awhole fish cooked over wood,redolent of garlicand lemon and pomegranate. Icame away with atale of fractioushistory,determination and theunifyingpowerofgood food served with heart.

Mahmoud “Alan” Alhattab is the proprietor, perpetual host,very oftenthe waiter andusually the lead cook at Almasgoof.He’sfrom Basra, ariverfrontIraqi city where almasgoofisanobsession.

He was18whenthe first Gulf War eruptedin1990. He waswounded by asniper’s bullet whileserving as an interpreterfor theAmerican army.Helater spentfive-plusyears in arefugee campinthe desert, awaiting avisatothe United States He describes aperiodofidled desolation as time ticked past

Butthe camp waswellsupplied withfoodthrough theAmerican military, andheturned to thecooking skillshelearned at hisown family’s restaurant.Hecooked daily forhundredsofother men at thecamp

“Itwas like aprison,Ihad to do somethingtooccupymyselfand forget whereIwas;soI cooked everyday,” Alhattab said.“Ican’t forget thosedays, hard times, big time. ButIgot something outofit.”

He eventually made it to New Orleans, wheretoday he’s an avid ambassadorfor thecookingofhis home country.

Beneaththe shell

THECLUTCHOFOYSTERSFROMBAYOU

ROSAITRIEDONEDAY at Sidecar Patio &OysterBar were meatyand briny, and carriedan herbaceousoyster liquor.Theyalso carriedthe essence of rebirth andhopefor thefamily business behindthem.

“We’re continuing thelegacy of a fourth-generationoysterbusiness here,” said JasonPitre,who runs BayouRosaOysterFarmnearthe endofBayouLafourche

Pitre and hisfamilyare membersof theUnitedHouma Nation,and they aredeeply enmeshed in theheritage of this Native American tribe.

Hislategrandfather startedthe oyster business in thetraditional way, harvestingbyrakeoff his

pirogue.But as theenvironment changed around them,onceproductiveoysterbedsran dry. Then thefamily discoveredcultivatedoystergrowing,which gives them amoreactivehandincultivating andflexibility to respond to changing conditions.Astheymake aplace in themarket, they’reopeninga differentfuturefor thefamily “It’susadaptingtothe changing environmentsothatour legacy and identity survives,” Pitresaid.

Killing it

WHENYOUEATAT8FRESHFOOD ASSASSIN (1900N.Claiborne Ave.), youtastethe results of twodifferentschools of cooking, neither of themofthe culinaryschoolvariety Oneschoolwas thebustling kitchen at Galatoire’s, whereManny Januaryworkedfor 17 years. The other schoolwas thestreet,where Januarybuilt hisown business and following. Combiningthe two hasbrought NewOrleans acasual counterservice spot whereyou canget grilled lamb chops, buttery lobstertails,T-bone steaks or seafood-stuffed potatoes Januaryhad arough startinlife and spenttwo yearsinprison.He gota jobatGalatoire’sright after hisreleaseand movedupthe ranks to sous chef.When he startedhis ownstreetfoodbusiness he started seeing morepotential ahead.

“I just thoughtifIcan find ahome Ican really show people what Ican do,” he said

In thefamily

ASSHEDOESEVERYMORNING,VIET NGUYENTOOKUPHERSTATION in thekitchen at ThanhThanh,the Vietnamese restauranther daughter BettyArchote runsinGretna. Sheis in charge of thepho,and shetends a50-gallonstockpotthatstands shoulder height to her petite frame.

“Onlymyway works,”Nguyen said,while stirring thepot.

Nguyen prepares thebeefbroth the wayher father taught her back in Vietnam,beforeher family fled theirwar-torncountry and became Americans.

Herpho is atouchstonefor a large, entrepreneuriallocal family It’s served at Thanh Thanh and also at twooutlets of Archote’s Huey P’sPizzeria& Daiquiris.Italso sometimesturns up at lunch at The Louise S. McGeheeSchool, where Archoteprovidesschoolmeals. Nguyen’s sonTung Nguyen used it at hisrestaurantEmTraiSandwich Co.too,though he’s closed that nowand movedintocatering.

There’smoretakingshape,includinga largenew bakery cafe called Dough Nguyener’s that Archoteis preparingtoopen in Gretna.The

mother’s touchbehindthe scenesis still thekey

“She is ourone-woman commissary,”Archote said.“Ienvythe bigrestaurantgroupswithmore resourcesbut becauseI have my mom here,it’slikeasecurityblanketfor me.She caresaboutevery single thing.”

Cook like an Egyptian

LOCALPOETANDSMALLBUSINESSOWNER KHALEDHEGAZZI haskeptEgyptian heritagecentral in hislife. This year, heplayedaroleinthe showcaseof Egyptian artand history during the five-month run of theNew Orleans Museum of Art’sexhibition of “Queen Nefertari’sEgypt.” Hegazzi partnered with chef Chris Montero at Cafe NOMA,the RalphBrennan restaurantinsidethe museum,to ensure visitors would getauthenticallyEgyptianfood throughspecial meals, everyday menusand cooking demosonEgyptiancuisine.

OnereasonHegazzi waseager to join theproject washow rarely he findshis homeland’s culture in thespotlight.Egyptiancuisineis commonly lumpedinwithMiddle Easternfood more broadly.

“It’sabouttimetocorrect that,” Hegazzitold me

Youcan find Hegazzi’scookingtoday at hispop-upSittoo’s Kitchen. See updatesat instagram com/sittooskitchen.

Brigtsenspots

MENTORINGISAMISSIONFORFRANK BRIGTSEN.Hepractices it at hisown Brigtsen’s Restaurant(723Dante St.) andalso as an instructorinlocal culinary programs

“There is this circleofgreat Creole chefswho passed it down one persontoanother,just as it’s always been done,” he said.“Ialways felt like Iwas part of this continuumof greatCreole cookinginthatway.”

This year Brigtsen wonthe Ella Brennan Lifetime Achievement in HospitalityAward,presented by theNew Orleans Wine &Food Experience. It wasanopportunity forthe chef to reflectonhis role and ongoingworkwithupcoming culinarytalent.

“WhatI tell them is ‘let’s make some goodmemoriestonight,’”he said.“Alot of people in thekitchen don’tsee thediningroom,theydon’t seethe joytheygivetotheir guests, which is thekey to hospitality

“But Iwantthem to seethe differencewedomake. Whatwedois restorepeople’s spirits.You create abubble of joyfor them whilethey areenjoyingfoodand wine with theirfamily and friends. That is the poweroffood.”—

IANMcNULTY / THETIMES-PICAYUNE

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 Henry Thomas Drive, (504) 218-5413; acornnola.com— Thecafe a at theLouisiana Children’sMuseum haskid-and adult-friendly menu Blackened shrimp fill atriooftacos topped witharugula, radish,pineapple-mango salsaand cilantro-lime sauce. No reservations.breakfast and lunch Wed.-Sun $$

Andrea’sRestaurant— 3100 N. 19th St.,Metairie, (504) 834-8583;andreasrestaurant.com Speckledtrout royale is topped withcrabmeatand lemon-creamsauce. Capelli D’Andrea combines house-madeangel hair pasta and smoked salmon in cream sauce.Deliveryavailable.Lunch and dinner daily,brunch Sun. $$$

Angelo Brocato’s 214N.Carrollton Ave.,(504) 486-1465;angelobrocatoicecream.com This sweetshop serves itsown gelato,spumoni, Italianice,cannolis,biscotti,fig cookies, tiramisu,macaroons and other treats. Lunch and dinner Tue.-Sun $ Annunciation— 1016 Annunciation St.,(504) 568-0245;annunciationrestaurant.com The menuhighlightsGulfseafood in Creole,Cajun and Southern dishes.GulfDrum Yvonneisservedwithbrown butter sauce with mushrooms and artichoke hearts.Reservationsrecommended DinnerThu.-Mon. $$$

TheBlueCrabRestaurantand Oyster Bar— 118Harbor View Court, Slidell, (985)315-7001; 7900 Lakeshore Drive, (504)284-2898; thebluecrabnola.com Themenu includessandwiches,fried seafood platters, boiled seafood and more. Basinbarbecue shrimp areserved overcheesegrits withacheese biscuit. Outdoorseating available. No reservations.Lakeview: lunchand dinner Tue.-Sun.Slidell: lunch Fri.Sat.,dinner Wed.-Sun $$

Broussard’s— 819Conti St.,(504) 581-3866;broussards.com The menuincludesCreole andcreative contemporary dishes.Rainbow troutamandineisservedwithtasso and corn macque chouxand Creole meunieresauce.Reservationsrecommended. Outdoorseating available. Dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$

Cafe Normandie— HigginsHotel, 480AndrewHiggins Blvd., (504) 528-1941;higginshotelnola.com/dining

Themenu combines classic French dishes and Louisiana itemslikeCrab beignets withherbaioli.Noreservations. Breakfastand lunchdaily $$

Common Interest — HotelIndigo, 705CommonSt.,(504) 595-5605; commoninterestnola.com Shrimp remoulade Cobb salad comes with avocado,bluecheese,tomatoes,bacon,egg and corn relish Beef debris tops goatcheese and thymegrits.Reservationsaccepted Breakfast, lunch,dinner andlatenightdaily $$

Curio — 301Royal St., (504)717-4198; curionola.com ThecreativeCreole menuincludes blackened Gulf shrimp served withchicken andandouille jambalaya. Reservations accepted Lunchand dinner daily $$

$ —average dinner entrée under $10

$$ —$11-$20 $$$ —$20-up

Desire OysterBar RoyalSonesta NewOrleans, 300Bourbon St.,(504) 586-0300;sonesta.com/desireoysterbar— ThemenuhiglightsGulfseafood in Creole dishes.Char-grilled oystersare topped withParmesan and herbs.Reservations recommended.Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily. $$

Dickie Brennan’sBourbonHouse — 144Bourbon St.,(504) 522-0111; bourbonhouse.com Theseafood restauranthas araw bar and alarge selectionofbourbon.Redfish on theHalfshell is cooked skin-onand served withlemon buerre blanc. Reservations accepted.Lunch and dinner daily $$$

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

Frey SmokedMeat Co.— 4141 Bienville St.,Suite 110, (504)488-7427; freysmokedmeat.com Thebarbecuerestaurantservespulledpork, St.Louis ribs,brisket, sausagesand more.Fried pork belly poppersare tossed in pepperjellyglaze.Noreservations. Lunch and dinner daily $$ FrootOrleans 2438 Bell St.,Suite B, (504) 233-3346;frootorleans. com— Theshop serves freshfruit in platters,smoothie bowlssuchas astrawberry shortcakesmoothie and more using pineapple, various berries,citrus and more.Noreservations.Outdoor seatingavailable Breakfast and lunch daily $$

JoeyK’s 3001 Magazine St., (504) 891-0997;joeyksrestaurant.com The menuincludesfried seafood platters, salads,sandwiches and redbeans and rice.Sauteed troutTchoupitoulas is topped withshrimpand crabmeat. Delivery available. Lunchand dinner Mon.-Sat., brunchSun $$

Juan’sFlying Burrito— 515Baronne St.,(504) 529-5825;2018Magazine St.,(504) 569-0000;4724S

Carrollton Ave.,(504) 486-9950; 8140 OakSt.,(504) 897-4800; juansflyingburrito.com TheFlying Burritoincludesgrilled steak, shrimp, chicken,cheddar-jack cheese,black beans, yellow rice,guacamole and salsa. Themenualsohas tacos, quesadillas,nachosand more. Outdoor seatingavailable.Noreservations. Lunchand dinner Thu.-Tue $$

Katie’sRestaurant— 3701 Iberville St.,(504) 488-6582;katiesinmidcity. com A CajunCubanhas roasted pork,grilled ham, cheese and pickles on buttered bread. TheBoudreaux pizzaistoppedwithcochon de lait, spinach, redonionsand roasted garlic. Delivery available.Reservations acceptedfor largeparties.Lunchand dinner Tue.-Sun $$

Kilroy’s Bar— HigginsHotel,480 Andrew HigginsBlvd.,(504) 528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining— The

bar menuincludessandwiches,flatbreads,salads andmore. ALouisiana peachflatbread has prosciutto, stracciatellacheese, arugula and pecans.Noreservations.Dinner Wed.-Sat $$

Legacy Kitchen’s CraftTavern— 700Tchoupitoulas St., (504)613-2350; legacykitchen.com Themenu includes oysters, flatbreads,burgers, sandwiches,saladsand more. A NOLAStyle GritsBowlistoppedwith bacon, cheddarand apoached egg. Reservations accepted.Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily $$

Legacy Kitchen Steak&Chop — 91 Westbank Expressway, Gretna,(504) 513-2606;legacykitchen.com The menuincludesfiletsmignons, bone-in rib-eyesand topsirloins,as well as burgers, salads and seafood dishes.Reservationsaccepted Outdoor seatingavailable.Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat $$

MartinWineCellar — 714Elmeer Ave.,Metairie,(504) 896-7350;3827 Baronne St.,(504) 894-7444;martinwine.com Thespiritsshop’s deliservessandwiches,salads and more. TheSenasalad includes roastedchicken,raisins,bluecheese, pecans and greenswith Tabasco pepperjelly vinaigrette. No reservations.Lunch daily. $$

MidCityPizza — 6307 S. Miro St., (504)509-6224; midcitypizza.com— Thepizza jointservesNew Yorkstylepies, calzones,sandwiches and salads.Shrimpremoulade pizzaincludesspinach, onionand garlic.Deliveryavailable.Noreservations. Lunch Thu.-Sun., dinner Thu.-Mon $$ Mikimoto — 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504)488-1881; mikimotosushi.com

TheSouth Carrollton roll includes tuna tataki,avocado and snow crab.The menu also has sushi, sashimi, noodle dishes,teriyaki andmore. Reservations accepted Deliveryavailable.LunchSun.-Fri., dinnerdaily $$ Mosca’s— 4137 Highway90West, Westwego,(504) 436-8950;moscasrestaurant.com Thisfamily-style eatery serves Italiandishesand specialtiesincluding shrimp Moscaand chicken alagrande. Bakedoysters Moscaismade withbreadcrumbs and Italianseasonings.Reservations accepted.DinnerWed.-Sat. Cash only. $$$

Mother’s Restaurant— 401Poydras St.,(504) 523-9656;mothersrestaurant.net— This counter-servicespot is knownfor po-boysdressed with cabbage andCreole favorites, such as jambalaya, crawfish etouffee and redbeans andrice. Delivery available.Noreservations. Breakfast, lunch anddinnerdaily $$

Nephew’s Ristorante— 4445W Metairie Ave.,Metairie,(504) 5339998; nephewsristorante.com Chef Frank Catalanottoisthe namesake “nephew” whoran thekitchen at Tony Angello’srestaurant. The Creole-Italianmenu featuresdishes like veal,eggplantorchicken parmigiana. Reservations required.Dinner Tue.-Sat $$

Neyow’sCreole Cafe 3332 Bienville St.,(504) 827-5474;neyows com Themenu includes redbeans with friedchicken or pork chops, as

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well as seafood platters,po-boys, char-grilled oysters, pasta,salads and more.Noreservations. Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$

Nice Guys Bar& Grill— 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504)302-2404; niceguysbarandgrillnola.com Char-grilled oystersare topped withcheese Themenu also includeswings, quesadillas,burgers,sandwiches, salads,seafood pasta and more.No reservations.Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.-Sat $$$

Nonno’s CajunCuisineand Pastries 1940 Dauphine St., (504)354-1364; nonnoscajuncuisineandpastries.com Themenuincludeshome-style Cajun and Creole dishes withsome veganoptions.Shrimpare sauteed with onions and peppers, topped with cheese and served withtwo eggs and toast. Delivery available. Reservations accepted.Breakfast and lunch daily $$

Peacock Room— KimptonHotel Fontenot,501 Tchoupitoulas St., (504)324-3073;peacockroomnola. com— Blacklentilvadouvan curry comeswith roasted tomatoes, forest mushrooms andbasmati rice. Themenu includes small plates,aburger, salads and more Reservations accepted.Dinner Wed.-Mon., brunch Sun. $$

Rosie’sonthe Roof— Higgins Hotel, 480AndrewHiggins Blvd., (504)528-1941; higginshotelnola. com/dining— Therooftop bar has amenuofsandwiches,burgers andsmall plates.Noreservations.

Dinner daily $$

Tacklebox— 817Common St.,(504) 827-1651;legacykitchen.com The seafoodrestaurantservesraw and char-grilled oysters, seafood, burgers, salads andmore. Redfish St.Charles is served withgarlic-herb butter,asparagus,mushrooms and

crawfish cornbread. Reservations accepted.Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily $$

Tavolino Pizza&Lounge— 141 Delaronde St.,(504) 605-3365;tavolinonola.com Themenufeatures thin-crust pizzas,salads, meatballs and more. ABehrman Hwy. pizzais toppedwithporkbelly,caramel,carrots,radishes, jalapenosand herbs No reservations.Outdoor seating available.Dinner Tue.-Sat $$

Theo’s Neighborhood Pizza— 1212 S. ClearviewParkway,Elmwood, (504)733-3803; 2125 Veterans MemorialBlvd.,Metairie,(504) 5104282;4024Canal St.,(504) 302-1133; 4218 Magazine St., (504)894-8554; 70488 Highway21, Covington, (985)234-9420; theospizza.com

AMarilynnPotaSupreme pie is toppedwithmozzarella, pepperoni, sausage,hamburger,mushrooms, bellpeppersand onions.Therealso aresalads, sandwiches and more Takeoutand deliveryavailable Lunchand dinner Tue.-Sat $ Tito’sCeviche& Pisco— 1433 St. CharlesAve., (504)354-1342; 5015 Magazine St.,(504) 267-7612; titoscevichepisco.com Peruvian lomo saltado is adishofbeef sauteed withonions, tomatoes, cilantro,soy sauceand pisco, and served with friedpotatoesand rice.Outdoorseating available on Magazine Street. Delivery available. Reservations accepted.Lunch and dinner Mon.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$ Zhang Bistro — 1141 DecaturSt., (504)826-8888;zhangbistronola. com— Themenu includesChinese and

celebration. Theparty also will feature vintage“SoulTrain”clips and video projections, theBooty Patrol Dancersand specialguest dancers MarcoDeSantiago andFreddie MaeMaxie,two “SoulTrain”alumni. DJ Soul Sister’s 20th annual New Year’s EveSoulTrain startsat10 p.m. Saturday,Dec.31, at theCivic Theatre.Ticketsare $50advance viacivicnola.com and $75day of theshow.

Big NightNew Orleans

THENEWORLEANSNEWYEAR’S EVEPARTYCELEBRATESITS10TH ANNIVERSARY with performances by BigFreedia,Tankand the Bangas,Choppa, KidKamillion, Lolo Mayhew,DJRozay Rell, Pretty Na$ty, DJ Zeus and the610 Stompers.Therealso will be asilent disco, partyfavors andmidnight celebration. BigNight NewOrleans opensat9 p.m. Saturday,Dec 31,atMardi Gras World. General admissiontickets startat$79.99 and include drinks.VIP tickets are$194.99and include food and drinks.Findmoreinformation at bignightneworleans.com

Kwanzaacelebrations

THENEWORLEANSKWANZAACOALITION

THISWEEKHOSTSDAILYEVENTSto celebrateKwanzaa,which runsMonday, Dec. 26,through Sunday,Jan.1.Each daywill feature AfricanAmerican performers, panel discussions,presentations on thevalues of Kwanzaa, children’sactivities,foodand crafts vendors,danceworkshopsand more. Performersthroughout theweek include FlagboyGiz,Sunni Patterson, SilhouetteDanceEnsemble,Nana Love and more. Most events will take placeatthe AndreCaillouxCenter forPerformingArts&CulturalJustice as well as Muhammad Mosque No 46,St. PeterClaverChurchHalland Beacon LightBaptist Cathedral. Formoreinformation,call(504) 252-0463orvisit facebook.com/ nolakwanzaacoalition

‘A

CharlieBrown Christmas’

FORSOMEPEOPLE,AHOLIDAYPLAYLIST WOULDN’TBECOMPLETE withoutVince Guaraldi.Hewrotethe piano music forthe animated Peanutsholiday special. An adaptation of Charles M. Schulz’s story, complete with music, danceand aCharlieBrown

Christmas tree,comes to Orpheum Theaterat1 p.m. and7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27.Findticketsvia acharliebrownchristmaslive.com

Community

ALMOST20YEARSAGO,NEWORLEANS ROCKBANDCOMMUNITY released itsself-titled,full-lengthalbum on burned CD-Rs, passingthemout to friends, at showsand on tour,and it had alasting impact on thecity’s DIYmusic community. Community’s albumisnow gettingareissue from Community Recordsand Strange Daisy Records, and theband is reunitingfor ashowat9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28,atSiberia.Mesopeakopens. Tickets are$10 advancevia siberianola.com and $15atthe door.

ATrippyTribute

CENTRALCITY’SRABBITHOLEISTHEPSYCHEDELICVENUE inviting Deadheads to unitefor the“Superdome Bodhi.” This trippy tributetothe late Grateful Dead frontman JerryGarcia features alineupoflocal artists, ledbyRobbie Smith of Cardboard Cowboy.Dave Easley,Blake Quick, Michael Fouquier, Adam Kelly and Owen Finley will also jamout Friday,

Dec. 30.Moreinformation and ticketscan be purchasedthrough rabbitholenola.com.

SaturnBar NYE

NEWORLEANSPUNKSGLAND,SLUDGE METALBANDTHOU,and psych-punk projectSTEEF playNew Year’s Eve at Saturn Bar. Theshowstartsat9 p.m. Ticketsare $15, butnoone will be turned away forlackoffunds

Cafe des Exiles

LOST BAYOURAMBLER FIDDLER LOUIS MICHOT LEADSANEVENING of music based in French language dialects. He’s joined by cellist Leyla McCalla, accordionist Corey Ledet, Ashlee Michot andmore. At 5p.m.Wednesday,Dec.28, at MusicBox Village. Tickets $18 viamusicboxvillage.com.

‘Nutcracker!’

THEMOSCOWBALLETISBASEDIN NORTHAMERICA and is in its30th year of presenting theholiday classic on toursofCanadaand the U.S. Thereare performancesat4 p.m. and8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27,at SaengerTheatre.Findtickets viasaengernola.com

TUESDAY27

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

DOSJEFES —Wendell Bruniousand TomHook, 8:30 pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB

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

JEANLAFITTE NATIONAL HISTORICALPARKVISITOR CENTER, NEWORLEANS JAZZ NATIONAL HISTORICALPARK Arrowhead Jazz Band,2pm

KITCHENTABLE CAFÉ —Meryl Zimmerman andMax Bronstein, 6:30 pm

THERABBITHOLE —Rebirth Brass Band,10pm

ROYALFRENCHMENHOTEL &BAR TrumpetMafia,6 pm

WEDNESDAY28

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

BLUE NILE —New BreedBrass Band,9 pm

THEBOMBAYCLUB —Harry Mayronne and Chloe Marie, 8pm

D.B.A. NEWORLEANS —Tin Men, 6pm; Jumpin'JohnnySansone, 9pm

DOSJEFES —Joe Krown, 8:30 pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB

—Richard “Piano”Scott, 12:30 pm; Bourbon StreetStars,5 pm;Fritzel's AllStarBand,8 pm

HOTELMONTELEONE —JamesMartin Band,8 pm

MADAMEVIC'S —Anna Bernard, 8pm

SANTOS —Swamp Moveswith Russell Welch,9pm

SIBERIA —CommunityReunion +Record Releasew/Mesopeak, 9pm

THURSDAY29

BAYOUBAR AT THEPONTCHARTRAINHOTEL —Peter Harris Quartet, 8pm

BLUE NILE —WhereY'atBrass Band,9 pm

CAFENEGRIL —SierraGreen and the SoulMachine, 10 pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —JohnBoutté, 7pm; 79ersGang, 10 pm

DOSJEFES —MarkColeman Band,8:30pm

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

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE —Brass-AHolics,7:30pm

JEANLAFITTE NATIONAL HISTORICALPARKVISITORCENTER, NEW ORLEANSJAZZNATIONAL HISTORICALPARK —Kerry Lewis Trio,2 pm

KITCHENTABLE CAFÉ —Dr. Mark St.Cyr Traditional Jazz Band,6:30 pm

MADAMEVIC'S —WashboardChaz BluesTrio, 8pm

MUSICBOX VILLAGE —Kings of Brass,5 pm

NEUTRAL GROUND COFFEEHOUSE —Bill Pop, 9pm

PEACOCKROOM, HOTELFONTENOT —DaLovebirds with Robin Barnes andPat Casey, 8pm

SNUG HARBORJAZZBISTRO AnnualTribute to Dr.LonnieSmith, 8&10pm

FRIDAY30

BAYOUBAR AT THEPONTCHARTRAIN

HOTEL —Peter HarrisTrio, 8pm

BJ'S LOUNGE —Valerie Sassyfras, 9:30 pm

BLUE NILE —The CaesarBrothers, 7 pm;KermitRuffins andthe BarbecueSwingers,11pm

BLUE NILEBALCONY ROOM —TrumpetSlim&Brass Flavor, 10 pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —MaudeCaillatQuartet,9 pm;HollyRock,10pm

DOUBLEDEALERCOCKTAILBAR AT THEORPHEUMTHEATER

JenevieveCooke andthe Winding Boys,9 pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB —Richard"Piano"Scott, 12:30 pm; SamFriend Band,2:30pm; Lee Floyd andThunderbolt Trio, 6pm; Fritzel'sAll Star Band,9pm

HOWLIN'WOLF —Junko Beat Band, theShape Shifters,8pm

MADAME VIC'S —Poisson Rouge, 8pm

ORPHEUMTHEATER —The Revivalists,9pm

ROCK 'N'BOWL —Bucktown Allstars,8:30pm

SIBERIA —RomanticGettavvay, Redfaced Whiteman,Hermaphradragon,Luscious Skin,9 pm

SNUG HARBORJAZZBISTRO Davell Crawford,8 &10pm

THERABBITHOLE —Superdome Bodhi, 11:30 pm

THESPOTTED CATMUSIC CLUB JamesMartinBand,10pm

TIPITINA'S —SamanthaFish, Jesse Dayton,9 pm

SATURDAY31

BAYOUBAR AT THEPONTCHARTRAINHOTEL —Jordan Anderson,8 pm

BLUE NILE —George Brown Band,7pm

BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM TheMarigny StreetBrass Band, 10 pm;KermitRuffins'New Year's Swingin'Eve,11pm

THEBOMBAYCLUB —Anais St.John, 8pm

CIVICTHEATRE —SoulSister's 20th AnnualNew Year’s Eve SoulTrain,10pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —Treme Brass Band,6 pm;The Original Pinettes Brass Band,10pm

DOSJEFES —Sunpie &The Louisiana Sunspots,9 pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB Richard“Piano”Scott, 12:30pm; Joe Kennedy Band,2:30pm; LeeFloyd and Thunderbolt Trio, 6pm; Fritzel’s AllStarBand,9 pm

JEAN LAFITTENATIONAL HISTORICALPARKVISITORCENTER, NEW ORLEANSJAZZNATIONAL HISTORICALPARK —Drum &Dance Circle, 10:30am

MARDI GRAS WORLD —Big Night NewOrleans NYE, 9:15 pm

ORPHEUMTHEATER —The Revivalists,9 pm

THERABBITHOLE —New Orleans Nitecrawlers,Cha Wa,10pm

ROCK 'N'BOWL —The Boogie Men, 8:30 pm

SATURN BAR —Thou,Gland,10pm

SIBERIA —Torture Garden,Anareta, Haint, Goregeous, 8pm

SNUG HARBOR JAZZ BISTRO Mahmoud Chouki NewWorld Ensemble,8 &10pm

THESPOTTED CATMUSICCLUB MeschiyaLakeand theLittleBig Horns, 10 pm

BLATTY / THETIMES-PICAYUNE 79ersGangplaysd.b.a.at 10p.m.Thursday,Dec.29.

TIPITINA'S —Galactic, Pimpsof Joytime, 10 pm

SUNDAY1

D.B.A. NEWORLEANS —Palmetto BugStompers,5pm; Glen David Andrews, 10 pm

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE —GlenDavid AndrewsBand,7:30pm

SNUG HARBORJAZZBISTRO HerlinRiley Quartet, 8&10pm

MONDAY2

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

PHOTO BY J.T.

Didyouhearallthatracket?

music

by Jake Clapp

YOUWOULDN’TBEALONEIFYOU THOUGHT2022PASSEDBYINABLUR.

Afterclose to twoyears of pandemic-forcedpausesand cancellations,concerts,festivalsand events bounded back with fervor in 2022. By thespring, NewOrleans musicianswerebacktosteadywork —while also back to fighting old battles overfairpay,access andthe ability to do theirjobsinpublic

Localmusicians started dipping theirtoesbackintolive, indoor concerts in spring 2021 with restrictions, butitfeltlikeNew Orleans turned acornerinMarch when the city officiallysuspended itsmask mandate. Concertsstarted to fill thelocal calendar and audience numberssteadily grew.Still,the pandemic is ongoing, and Covid concerns loom formanymusicians whointeractwiththe public

The return of NewOrleans music festivalswas amajor milestone early this year.BUKUMusic +Art Projectbroke theice in March, bringing outthousands of people foratwo-day festival with Tame Impala; Tyler, theCreator;$uicideboy$;GlassAnimalsand anumber of other electronica, rock and hiphopacts. Hogs forthe Causeand French QuarterFestival followed soon after, butall eyes quickly turned to thereturnofthe New OrleansJazz& HeritageFestival.

Jazz Fest faced ahandfulof setbacks:Foo Fighters pulled out of thelineupfollowing thedeath of drummerTaylorHawkins,and Covidcausedseveral musicians to drop out, includingWillie Nelson and George Porter Jr.But 475,000 people passedthrough theFair Grounds, Jazz Fest organizers said, to seearena rockerslikeThe Who and Stevie Nicks, acclaimed international performers like LakouMizik and Cimafunk,and southLouisiana natives, such as Dumpstaphunk and Trombone Shorty.Acommon refraincould be heardacrossfestivalstages:After atough twoyears, musiciansweregladtobebackand again hanging with audiences

More NewOrleans festivalsmade theircomebackthroughout 2022, butthe city also sawthe loss of two tentpole events:BUKUannounced it would notbebackin2023, and VoodooMusic +ArtsExperience said it wastakinga pausein2022 —and thegeneralbeliefisitwon’t return.(See pg.5for moreabout theyearinfestivals.)

In January, FrenchmenStreetclub Blue Nile made itslong-awaited return.And Mid-City venueChickie WahWah —whose future had been uncertainfollowing thedeath of ownerDale Triguero —reopenedin December. But, thecityinJulylost Portside Lounge,afavorite venue forpunkand rock

While festival stages andmusic venues filled back up in 2022,the fightfor outdoormusic continued. Many musiciansfindworkbuskinginNew Orleans streets—an outlet many performerstapped in to during theheightofpandemic shutdowns— butthereare consistentreports of musicians being hassledbylaw enforcement,and severalhaveseentheir musicand likenesses used fortourismpromotion withoutcompensation

In April,the NewOrleans Police Departmentannounceditwould reopen theRoyal Street pedestrian mall,a unique stretchwhere many buskersset up to perform,for the first time sincethe Hard Rock Hotel collapse in 2019.But within afew months,NOPDstopped settingup themall’sbarricades— and videos on socialmedia show officers threatening to arrest musiciansfor trying to putbarricadesbackup. Expectthe push to reopen themall to continue in 2023

NewOrleans this year also made headwayoncreatingnew guidelinesfor outdoor live musicand entertainment. In August,the City Council advanced proposed rule changestomakeiteasier—and less costly —for venues to host outdoor entertainment. They areexpectedtopickbackupthe issuefor final passageinthe coming months.

Andthe city officially opened its newOfficeofNighttime Economy, withHowlin’ Wolf owner Howie Kaplan at thehelm. Theposition wasestablishedtohelpconnect City Hall with thecity’sbars, music venues,musiciansand artists.

Early in theyear, NewOrleans’ fingerprintswereall overthe Grammy Awards.KennernativeJon Batiste walked away from theGrammy ceremony with five awards,includingalbum of theyear—and PJ Morton,TromboneShorty,the Hot 8Brass Band and theSt. Augustine Marching 100shared in thewin NewOrleans native LuckyDaye wonthe Grammyfor best progressive R&B, and TerenceBlanchard,

ChiefXianScott aTunde Adjuah, BigChief Monk Boudreaux, Corey Ledetand other Louisiananswere nominatedbut didn’twin Theyearsaw numerous standoutalbums by NewOrleans-based musicians. Trombone Shorty,PJ Morton,NicholasPayton, Hurray forthe Riff Raff,Derrick Freeman, Andrew Duhon, MotelRadio, Dawn Richard, LeylaMcCalla, Kr3wcial, DominicScott,Stone Cold Jzzle, BLU, $leazy EZ,EverMore Nest, JulieOdell, Tasche andthe Psychedelic Roses,People Museum, Tuba Skinny,LittleFreddie King and many, many othersall celebrated newmusic in 2022 Tank and theBangas released “Red Balloon,” thesoulful,electric follow-uptotheir breakout“Green Balloon,” and is nownominated for aGrammyin2023. Afterdecades of performances,New Orleans’king of bounce HaSizzle released hisfirst studio project, “Hey Friend.” And Boyfriendtookthe next step in her artist evolution on her first,longawaitedfull-length“Sugar& Spice.”

In August, FlagboyGiz of theWild Tchoupitoulasburned his2022suit and releasedhis second full-length album, “I GotIndianinmyFamily” —and then featured virtually every rapper in thecityina series of remixestohis song “WeOutside.”

Former No Limits rapper Mac Phippsmadea surpriseguest appearance at Jazz Fest duringMia X’sset,his first hometownperformancesince beingreleased from prison in 2021,and followeditup withthe outstandingfull-length, “Son of theCity.”

This year sawthe release of Dr. John’s posthumousalbum,“Things Happen That Way,”which also has been nominatedfor aGrammy award. Preservation Hall Jazz

Band’s CharlieGabrielconnected to musichistory forhis solo album “89.”And swamp poplegend TommyMcLainreleased “I Ran Down EveryDream,” hisfirst fulllength albumin40years

Theyearwas filled with too manynotable events to mention.In January, Robert E. LeeBoulevard wasofficially renamed to Allen Toussaint Boulevard. Over thesummer,Arcade Fire’s WinButler, who lives in NewOrleans,was accused of sexual misconduct in areportby Pitchfork. TheNew Orleans Public Library launched itsown music streamingplatform, Crescent City Sounds.Singer Charmaine Neville’s home wasstruckbylightning,and themusic communityrallied to help her rebuild. AndOffBeat publisher Jan Ramsey revealedshe had been diagnosedwithlung cancer —which also broughtcommunity together in support. She’ll reignas themonarchofthe 2023 Krewedu Vieuxparade.

NewOrleans lost severalmusiciansin2022, includingdrummer CarloNuccio;prolificrockerKing LouieBankston;vocalistTopsy Chapman;FrenchQuarter mainstay Grandpa ElliottSmall; theDixie Cups’RosaHawkins; anddrummer KevinO’Day,who received atouching tributefromhis band,Midnite Disturbers, at Jazz Fest

Therewas awhirlwind pace to 2022.And chances arethingswon’t slow down in thenew year

PHOTO BY CHRISGRANGER / THETIMES-PICAYUNE

Recapping abusy year in NewOrleans

Resettingthestagein2022

by Will Coviello

NEWORLEANIANSRETURNEDTO THEATERSIN2022,and as the performingartsreset afterthe pandemic shutdowns, there were some notable changes.

SouthernRep shutteredafter 36 yearsofpresentingcontemporary drama andplays about theSouth.The theater hadmovedintoa largespace in theformer St.RosedeLima Church on BayouRoadin2018. Itsbrief statementabout closingnoted “financialpressures and other considerations.”

Thespace on BayouRoadisnow home to theAndre Cailloux Center forPerformingArts&Cultural Justice. NewYork’sUrban Bush Womenhelda workshop at the spaceinAugust, anditishome to thenew theatercompanyNo DreamDeferred.Its first major presentation will be We Will Dream: NewWorks Festival,kicking offwith atrioofplays in March2023.

In JeffersonParish, theJefferson Performing Arts Societytook over managementofthe Jefferson Performing Arts Center,which its longtime directorDennis Assafhad been instrumental in gettingbuilt JPAS has presenteda series of shows, including“Fly,” aboutTuskegee Airmen,and Lin-ManuelMiranda’s musical“In theHeights”atthe center Crescent City Stagehad itslive premiere with DerekWalcott’s “Pantomime.”Actors Equity AssociationmembersMichaeland Elizabeth Newcomer andJana Mestecky createdthe professional theaterjustbeforethe pandemic but hadtowaittwo yearstohold alocal production. They plantodevelop thecompanyona regionaltheater model.Its next production, “Cry It Out,”will open in JanuaryatLoyola University’s MarquetteTheater

TheNOLAProject hasbeen presenting shows in theSydneyand WaldaBesthoff SculptureGarden foryears,and this year did twoproductions there, including aboisterousadaptationof“TreasureIsland.”

Le PetitTheater had asteady and lively year,presenting “The HouseThatWill NotStand,” aNew Orleansantebellum adaptation of FedericoGarcia Lorca’s“TheHouse of Bernarda Alba.”Italso produced the Britishdrama “Tribes” and the backstage farce“ThePlaythat Goes Wrong.”

Also performed in ahistoricFrench Quarterspot, “The Family Line”is thelatestimmersiveplayfromGoat in theRoadProductions.The action

swirledseamlessly around different roomsatBKHouse,and thedrama centered around an 1890sSicilian family andits grocerystore.The play hasbeen extended twice, with dates in January.

With theInFringeFestivalon hiatus, thecityiswithoutafestival hubfor alternativetheater,but there have been fun, eclectic offerings scatteredaroundthe city.The water ballettroupeAquaMob launched an inspiredmusical adaptation of thehorrorfilm“Alien” at theDrifter Hotel. TheTennessee Williams TheatreCompanyofNew Orleans includedatrioofparodies of the playwright’s work in itsseason, includingChristopher Durang’s “Desire, Desire,Desire” and “For Whom theSouthernBelle Tolls.”

Thecomedyscene is going strong,withplentyoftouring comics hittingvenues from the Smoothie King Centertothe Dragon’sDen.ComedyHouse NOLA, runbyfoundersofthe New MovementTheater,revived Hell Yes Fest,featuring touringand local comics.The Lysistrata Comedy Festival featuredall womencomics. Native NewOrleans comicSean Patton recorded hisfirst hour-long specialatTipitina’s

TheContemporaryArtsCenter featuredseveral projects focused on mass incarceration, includingpieces by TheGraduates,agroup of formerly incarcerated Louisiana women, and abeautiful aerialdancepiece by Jo Kreiter’sFlyaway Productions. TheCAC also presenteddanceworks by KM Dance, whose director Kesha McKeyhad developedpiecesinan artist residency

Thelocal dancecompanyMarigny OperaBalletclosedthe year with a sold-out run of its“Jazz Nutcracker,” featuring alivelyscore by Lawrence Sieberth, and anew and localtake on theclassic ballet.

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER LePetitTheatrepresented ‘TheHouseThatWillNotStand.’

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35Plot

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