Gambit: Spring Events 2023

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ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

Dreamworks

‘Drapetomania: ANegroCarol’kicks off the We Will Dream Festival

THOUGHIT’STHEHEIGHTOFTHE

PANDEMIC,hehas ababysuffering intenseintestinaldistress andthe mysterious visitor,LD, says he’s been in prison, Wayneletshim into hisapartmentin“Drapetomania:A NegroCarol.”

LD is thefirst of severalspirited visitors whocometoengage Wayneaboutwhathe’sdoing withhis life.Aghostly figure,KMS, explains that “drapetomania”ispart of theproblem.

Drapetomaniawas abogus medicaldiagnosis of enslavedBlack peoplefleeing antebellum plantations

Inthe 1850s, Samuel Cartwright,a whitephysician,publishedhis reasoning that enslaved peoplewho triedtoescape must be mentally ill

Playwright M.D. Schaffer discoveredCartwright and hisquack psychologyonline. During thepandemic,the conceptresonated as he watchedreactions to themurder of George Floydand theBlack Lives Matter movement. That inspired “Drapetomania: ANegroCarol.”

“Being in Texasfor thepandemic wasbig,” says Schaffer,who left his home in NewYorktobewithfamily in Houstonduringthe pandemic.“It litthe fuse formeto startwriting ‘Drapetomania’was born outofthe question: ‘Whatdoesitmeantobe BlackinAmericafor me?’”

“Drapetomania”ispremiering at theWeWill DreamFestival,which features productions of threeplays by emerging Blackplaywrights, a stagedreading of another drama, talkback sessions,workshops, speakers andmoreatthe Andre CaillouxCenterfor Performing Arts and Cultural Justice.

“Drapetomania”isbeing directed by DavidKote, aDillardUniversity alum whoisbased in Atlanta. It opens March25and runs on select datesthrough April 30.The festival runs throughJune19.

Schaffer is afan of works withghosts, from theworks of ShakespearetoDickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”“Drapetomania” borrowsthe scheme of visiting ghosts,and hisspiritsare adiverse groupofhistoricalfigures.LDwas aleaderinthe 1971 Attica Prison uprising. John Brown, theabolitionistwho ledthe raid on Harpers Ferry, is ajovialbut insistentleader. KMS,who is theorchestratingspirit, is himselfstill wrestling with history, and hasbeendoingsofor far longerthan Wayne.

“I wanted to do apiece exploring BlackLives Matter and Covid,”Schaffersays.

“Itwas really world-shaping to be experiencing allthose emotions allatonce. Itapped into this piece lookingat American historyincomparisontoAmericatoday.I credit ‘Hamilton’for their‘America then meetsAmerica now’ catchphrase. Ilikethatintersectionofideas.”

Thefestival waslookingfor plays by Blackplaywrights connectedinsomeway to the South, says founder and producing artistic directorLaurenTurner

“Weasked forworks that could interrogate theconceptofcultural inheritance,”Turner says.“Allthe plays areinconversationwiththis idea around what we inherit from previous generations. We askedfor plays that were radically imaginative.Theytakeustoanother place —something that transports the audience. Also, they prominently featureBlack narrativesand stories from Blackcommunities.”

Thefestival chosefourof40plays submittedfromacrossthe country. Upcoming worksinclude Louisiana playwright BrianEgland’s “Where theSuga Still Sweet.” Turner will directthe drama aboutayoung boy’sfirst experience with love and howitisshapedbyhis community and church.Itruns April 8-May 21

Philana ImadeOmorotionmwan’s “The Defiance of Dandelions” is aboutBlack womenand girlsand howtheyare labeledand howthey reclaimtheir identity.Nicole Brewer, thefounder of theAnti-Racist Theatremovement, will come to NewOrleans to directthe piece.It’s amovement-heavyworkthatwill be presentedasa ritual performanceinthe atrium of theCailloux Center,Turnersays. It will run April 28-June17.

Therealso willbeastaged readingofCrisEli Blak’s “Sonsof Liberty,”abouta pair of brothers, oneofwhom strugglesasaveteran returningfromthe Iraq War.

Thefestivalfeaturesspeakers includingPulitzerPrize-winning playwright James Ijames (whose drama “White”recentlywas staged at NOMA).Erika Dickerson-Despenza, whohas been based in NewOrleans, also will speak. She createdthe NtozakeShange

byWillCoviello |

Treme Creole Gumbo &Congo SquareRhythms Festival

THENEWORLEANSJAZZ&HERITAGE

FOUNDATIONCOMBINES twoofits freemusic festivalsintoone event in LouisArmstrong Park.There aretwo stages withbrass bands, MardiGrasIndians,African dance andmorefrom10:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday,March 25,and Sunday,March 26.Therealso is an artmarketand craftvendors. On Friday,March 24,JamesAndrews &the Crescent City All-Stars performatthe George and Joyce Wein Jazz &HeritageCenter (admission $10).Visit jazzandheritage.orgfor performanceschedules andinformation

ThePublictheater,which currently is producing herHurricane Katrina work “shadow/land.”

TheNoDream Deferred theater companyispresentingthe festival insteadofamoreconventionalseason. Thefestivalwill be abiennial event, andinoff years, thetheater will presentone ortwo productions It is slated to produce anew work by localplaywrightand radio host HalClark in November

Thecompany andfestival’s missionistosupportBlack theater artists, includingplaywrights, directors,actors,designers and more.Turner notesthatthisfestival is supporting 50 Blacktheater makers, includingpayingActorsEquity wagestoall actors regardlessof membership in theunion.Tickets arefor sale in advance, butfree admissionticketswill be available at thebox office before shows.

Turner grew up in NorthCarolina buthad family in NewOrleans pre-Katrina andvisitedmany times. She movedheretoteach at Dillardin2014. She sees No Dream Deferred’s work as building on the city’s legacy of Blacktheater

“The bigger thefestivalgets, the more of aresourceitisfor localartists,designersand production folks, themorethatbecomes areality, the more it becomespartofthe cultural fabric,” Turner says.“Blacktheater alreadyisa huge part of thecultural fabricofthisplace.Thisisbirthplace of Free Southern Theater,Ethiopian Theater. Theseare Blacktheaters that existedduringthe Civil Rights Movement.Storytelling,Black theater-making— this is what this place is builton. We aretryingtofoster remembranceofthatand furthering of that vision.”

Fortickets andinformation, visitnodreamdeferrednola.com.

Freret Street Festival

THEFRERETSTREETFESTIVAL FEATURES THREEMUSIC STAGES, food,art and craftvendorsalong Freret Street betweenNapoleon Avenueand ValmontStreet

ChubbyCarrier &the Bayou Swamp Band,KermitRuffins & theBarbecue Swingers,Erica Falls, LosGuiros,Hash Cabbage, Anne EliseHastings and Her Revolving Cast of Charactersand ValerieSassyfrasare amongthe performers. From 11 a.m. to 6p.m.Saturday,March 25. Visitfreretstreetfestival.org forinformation

Drive-By Truckers

AFTERTHREEOVERTLYPOLITICAL ALBUMS,SOUTHERNROCKBAND DRIVE-BYTRUCKERS decided to go alittlemoreautobiographical on theirlatest record,“Welcome2 Club XIII,” released last year.It’sa chuggingmemoir about26years as abandand theweird places

PROVIDEDPHOTO BY ASHLEY LORRAINE

PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER /THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Isthatabigolesackofcrawfishinyourtrunkorareyoujusthappytoseeus?

THUMBS UP/ THUMBS DOWN

RecycleDat!, anew city program pilotedduringthe last twoweekendsofCarnival, collectedmorethan11,500 pounds of MardiGrasbeads andthrows, about 50,000 aluminumcansand 1,500pounds of glass forrecycling.Working theSaturday and Sunday paradesthe finaltwo weekends, 153 volunteers distributedfree recycling bags forbeads and throws along theUptownroute andcollected cans and glass Therealso were four recycling hubs.ArcGNOtook thecollected beadsand throws,Glass Half Full recycled thecollected glass, and thealuminum cans went to EMRMetal Recycling

Councilendsfinesfromfaultyschool speedcams,ok’scharterchanges

ViolinistDanielLee, aKenner native,has been selected to play with theNational Youth Orchestra of theUnitedStates of America, asummer orchestra program hosted by Carnegie Hall.The 18-year-old Leeisone of 109young musicians selected followinganauditionprocess They will spendtwo weeksthis July studying and rehearsing in NewYorkleading up to aconcert at Carnegie Hall and ashort NorthAmerican tour

THENEWORLEANSCITYCOUNCILTHIS MONTHVOTEDTOBLOCK thecity from fining driverswho receive ticketsfrommalfunctioning schoollights. They also approved twokey city charteramendments aimedatreforming code enforcementand giving thecouncil a stronger role in budgetnegotiationswith themayor’soffice.

Foryears residentshave complainedaboutthe city’s network of flashing schoolzonelights, whichhave been plaguedby chronicproblems ranging from simply notflashingtooperating weeksand even months after schools arenolongerinsession.

That’s meantthousands of driversreceiving ticketsfor infractionstheymight have avoided if the lightswereworking properly.

to consolidatemuchofthe city’s code enforcementduties into oneoffice.

Thefirst amendment would requirethe mayortoprovide the council with theirannual budget by Oct. 1, amonth earlier than the currentNov.1 deadline.

Becausethe budget must be completedbyDec.1,the current lawleavesthe councilwithless than amonth to review thebudget, ask foradditionalinformation and trytomakechanges. For years, successivecouncilshave chaffedatthe truncatedprocess,which curtails thecouncil’s “powers of thepurse” andends up giving extraordinarypowers to theexecutivebranch.

THE COUNT #

22

Accordingtoa Times-Picayunestory, thelarge rodent —normally deemed an invasivespecies— wasrescued after acar accident killed most of hisfamily He nowlives alifeofluxury,ridinginthe passengerseatofatruck; swimming in asaltwater pool;and dining on corn, sweetpotatoes, kiwi fruitand occasionally araw crawfish —asa treat. Neuty hasbecomeafixture at Dennis’Seafood in Metairie,the restaurant ownedbyhis adoptedfamily.

BlatoZlato, theNew Orleans-based Balkan musiccollective,has been selected by the WesternArtsAlliancefor its Performing Arts Discovery (PAD)Showcase, aplatform startedbythe National Endowmentfor theArtstoput U.S. performingartists in frontof internationalbookers,festivals and venues.

“Noticeisfundamental if consequences aretobeimposedon anyone.The purposeofflashing schoolzonelightsistonotify driversofthe approachingzone and to potentially fine them if they exceed thespeed limit,”said Budget Chairman JoeGiarrusso, theauthor of themeasure. “Ifthe lightsdon’t work,you shouldn’t be ticketed.”

Thecouncil also approved Giarrusso’stwo othermeasures: acharter amendment changing thetimelinefor theannual budgetprocess and an amendment

Although MayorLaToyaCantrell and herpredecessor Mitch Landrieu have sometimesprovided thebudgetearlier,the charter change would codify that in law.

Finally,the code enforcement amendmentwould create a unifiedofficefor much of the city’s code enforcementactivities.Currently,code enforcement duties arebrokenupamongst threeoffices:Community Development, Sanitation and Safety and Permits.

Voters will getasay on both amendments when they appear on theOctober ballot.

42.3%

HE’S FINE,BUT NOT $150 MILLION FINE

IT WASAGREAT HIRE BY THESAINTS!

17.7%

What do youthink aboutthe Saints signingDerek Carr? THEY SHOULD HAVE KEPT LOOKING

6.6%

NewOrleansCityCouncilmemberraisesapoint duringanApril7,2022,councilmeeting

PHOTO BY MAXBECHERER/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

WAIT,WHATHAPPENED TO JAMEIS?

Ourviewonthe futureofshort-term rentalrules

THECITYCOUNCILTHISWEEKWILLTAKEACRUCIALVOTE that willdetermine howNew Orleans regulatesthe short-term rental industry.Council memberseffectively have twochoices:Theycan strictlylimit the proliferationofSTRsand adopt effectiveenforcement provisions;ortheycan create aByzantine regulatory scheme riddledwithloopholes

Thefirst option could reduce skyrocketing housing costsand stem theerosion of ourculture by scaling back thescourge that STRs have createdhere.

Thesecondcould threaten thesurvival of neighborhoods like Treme, Marigny, St.Rochand others,dependingonwhether theadministration enforces rulestoprotect neighborhoods from beingoverrun by speculators

In ourview, thechoiceisobvious:The council should passthe “one-per-square”proposal, along with aggressiveenforcement provisions,and commit to paying whatever it coststoconduct meaningful oversight and enforcement.

We do nottakethispositionlightly.Underthe one-per-square plan,every eligible square block —thatis, everygeographicareabounded by four

streetsinareas whereSTRs areallowed— could have onlyone STR. Admittedly, that most likely would mean at least oneSTR on every eligible square in town —and occasionally twowould be on some facing blocks.But that still leads to far fewer totalSTRsinneighborhoods allowedtohave them

An alternativeproposal would allowanSTR to operateifthe owner canpass aset of conditionaluse tests, including supportfrom neighbors. Whilethissounds appealing, theend resultcould be no STRs in some neighborhoodsand virtuallynonativeNew Orleaniansinothers.

In some partsofTreme, forexample,STR owners alreadycontrol huge swaths of properties. What’s to preventthem from supporting each other’s applicationsfor conditional uses and pricinglocalsout?

We alreadyknowSTR operators aren’t above acting illegally,given thenumber of unlicensed rentalsinNew Orleans —particularly in historically Black, culturally vulnerable neighborhoods.It’snot astretch to envision ascenarioinwhich STRoperators effectivelyturnthe birthplace of jazz and the home of BlackMaskingIndiantribesintoa cultural and historical dead zone.

At this point, banningSTRsoutrightisunfortunately alegal and politicalnonstarter. NewOrleans’

best option is to adopt and strictlyenforce a one-per-squarerule. Such arulewould eliminateblocksfulloflegal STRs andmakeiteasytoidentifyillegal operators Thecouncil also is consideringanaggressive enforcementregimethatwould allowonly“natural persons,” notcorporations,toown STRs.Owners would have to live on thepremises, and theirnames, picturesand contactinformation would be published so neighbors could contactthem aboutproblems. Equally important, theproposalincludesa threestrikes rule,which could be invokedafter oneinfraction, depending on itsseverity. Therule would barboth theoperator andthe property from applying foranSTR permitfor up to four years. Becausetheir spaceontheir “square”could be giventosomeone else,that’spotentially alifetime banfor theproperty

Hopefully, thenew rules will bringmorelong-term rentals, reduced homeprices, and asafetynet for NewOrleans’ most vulnerable neighborhoods

PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

Luckfavorsnoone amidrecallchaos

THELATERAYSTROTHER, ALEGENDARYPOLITICAL CONSULTANT,oncetold

me that even when candidates run perfect campaigns they still need luck to win. Strother’s observation came to mindrecently as Ithoughtaboutthe mess that hasengulfed theefforttorecall

NewOrleans Mayor

LaToya Cantrell

Neither Heronner nor therecallorganizers areinany danger of running perfectcampaigns.And as of late, it’s difficulttodiscern who’sthe unluckiest —Cantrell, therecallers or NewOrleans’ long-sufferingcitizens.

Fora while, it seemed luck favoredrecallorganizersasthe mayorseemedhellbentonconvincingpeople to sign, doubling and even tripling down on her worst decisions

From moving into thecity-owned UpperPontalbaApartmentand stayingthereindefinitely(andrentfree)torefusingfor weekstorepay taxpayersfor theextra cost of her first-class travelarrangements, Cantrell literallyand figuratively flipped offher constituents.

Nottobeoutdone,the recall organizers did theirbest Keystone Kops impressioninthe final days of thesign-up period. First, they claimed to have enough signatures to forcea recall referendum; then they walked back that claim; then they claimed they only needed 1,029moresignaturestohit their goal;then they sued theSecretary of Stateand theOrleans Parish RegistrarofVotersinhopes of reducingthe signature threshold by 6,000 or morenames;then they “settled” thelawsuit with the Secretary of State, whoreduced thethresholdby5,000 names by lowering thenumber of active votersinNew Orleansby25,000 —withoutactually removing any voters from therolls

Then,inadeusexmachina that would make Aeschylus himself shake hisheadindisbelief, came news that Judge Jennifer Medley,who presided overthe recall organizers’ lawsuit, hadsignedthe recall petition in December —but failed to disclose that fact to thelitigants in February

when thecasecame before her. No doubtsensing that her luck had turned,Cantrell sued to annul thesettlement.

Almost as if to say, “Holdmy beer,” themayor last week made headlines—again —byrefusing to payfor roof repairs on her home, causing theroofertoplace alien (far from thefirst, mindyou)on herproperty.

Twodayslater,welearned that theCityAttorney’sOffice, which reportstoCantrell, mistakenly gave aHousing AuthorityofNew Orleansboard member at odds withthe mayorathumb drive containing sensitiveevidencein an ongoingNOPDinvestigation intopotential payrollirregularities involving OfficerJeffrey Vappie, theCantrellbodyguard who worked long hours whileshe stayed in her rent-freePontalba dwelling

Howorwhy theCityAttorney’s Office,which hasnoreason whatsoever to have that evidence, obtained it nonetheless —and what theCityAttorneyplanned to do with it —rank among Team Cantrell’s most flagrant (and unexplained)screw-ups

Then again, mistakenly sending theevidencetoanadversaryof themayor— which allowedittogo viral— is aThree Stoogeslevel of incompetence.

Howlucky we citizens aretowitness historybeing made.But it still doesn’tfeellikewe’re winning.

MayorLaToyaCantrell

PHOTO BY CHRISGRANGER/ THETIMES-PICAYUNE

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@GambitBlake |askblake@gambitweekly.com

HeyBlake, IenjoyedtheGambitarticleonthepioneeringlocal chefLenaRichard(Feb.21). Icameacrossacookbook fromthe1950sbyanother Blackfemalechef,Mandy Lee,thatalsomentionsher workonWDSU.Whatcan youtellmeabouther?

Dearreader, MANDYLEE,ORAMANDALEE, WASTHEON-AIRNAMEused by chef Ruth Prevost. She followedLenaRichardashost of aWDSU-TV cookingshow when Richarddiedin1950.

Prevostwas born in Slidellin1917 and made her debutonWDSUin December1950. An articleinThe NewOrleans Item explainedthat shehad been “headofthe culinary departmentofone of thelargest countryclubshere, hasmanaged localrestaurants andalso has cooked in some of thecity’sfinest homes.” It went on to sayshe hada “naturalwit andcharm” andwas “a jovial personwitha delightfulsmile and arich laughing voice.”

Prevost’sshowinitially airedon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. In 1951,the show expanded to five days aweek, airing eachday at 1p.m

AJune1952article in TheNew Orleans Item spokeofthe show’s popularity.“Oneofthe most impressivethingsaboutAmanda’s WDSU-TVkitchen is thewarm regard that NewOrleans housewives

BLAKEVIEW

have forher,” it read.“On the streetsshe is immediately recognized and spoken to and in thefan mail youreally learn of her popularity.”

Theprogram played to stereotypesofthe day, however,withthe articlesayingthat“Mandydressed thepartofthe old-time Southern cook.” Thecoverofthe cookbookWDSUproduced featuring Prevost’srecipes “MandyLee’s Recipesfor Good NewOrleans Dishes,” showsPrevost wearingan Aunt Jemima-stylered andwhite checkeredblouseunder her apron and acheckered scarfinher hair

On her show,Prevost wasjoined by host andannouncer Woody Leafer. Heron-air assistant was MarieRichard, Lena Richard’s daughter. She waslater joined by MarieMatthews, whospentatotal of 42 yearsatthe stationand later appeared on WDSU’s popular “Midday” show in the1960s as well as on manyother cookingsegments Prevostdiedsuddenlyin1954. She was37years old.

INHONOROFTHETREMECREOLEGUMBO&CONGOSQUARERHYTHMSFESTIVALhappeningnextweekend(March25-26)inArmstrong Park,weremember chef Austin Leslie,famousfor hisgumbo,fried chicken andother dishes.The TimesPicayunecalledhim an “internationalambassadorfor Creole soul food.”

Born in NewOrleans on July 2, 1934,Lesliebegan hisculinarycareer in middle school, deliveringfried chicken by bicyclefor Portia’s restauranton South Rampart Street

Afterserving in theU.S.Army, he worked in theD.H. Holmes department storerestaurantbeforegoingtoworkwithhis aunt,Helen Pollock, at herrestaurant, ChezHelene, locatedonNorth RobertsonStreet

In 1970,Underground Gourmetauthorand restaurantcriticRichard Collinhelpedput ChezHeleneonthe mapwhenhecalledit“oneofthe best restaurants in NewOrleans” and“consistently excellent…soul food at itsproud and distinguished best.”

Leslie took overthe restaurantwhen hisauntretired in 1975.His food, combined with hisoutgoingpersonality, mutton chop sideburnsand trademarkwhite captain’s hat, becamewell-known nationwide.In1987, Leslie and Chez Helene even inspired thecritically acclaimed CBS television series,“Frank’s Place.”

Afterbeing rescued from hishomeduringthe floodsfollowing Hurricane Katrina’sfederal leveefailures, Lesliewas takentoAtlanta, wherehediedinOctober 2005 at age71.

TheMandyLee cookbook.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THENEWCOMB ARCHIVES ANDNADINE ROBBERT VORHOFF COLLECTIONRARE CULINARYCOLLECTION, NEWCOMB INSTITUTEOF TULANE UNIVERSITY

SPRING Events Ev PREVIEW PREV

SPRINGMEANSBIG FESTIVALS in NewOrleans,and that includes Jazz Fest, French QuarterFestival,Essence Festival of Cultureand more.The calendar is full of festivalsaroundthe area,suchasMidCity BayouBoogaloo along BayouSt. John,Hogsfor theCause with itsbarbecue competitionatthe Lakefrontand theLouisiana Crawfish Festival in St.BernardParish. Therealso areliteraryand culturalevents, such as theTennessee Williams&New Orleans Literary Festival,the New OrleansWine&FoodExperienceand more

Gambit’s Spring Events Previewincludeseventsofall sizes, from major festivalstoneighborhood fests, plustheater,touring Broadway productions, ballet, standupcomics, film festivalsand more. Theconcertpreview rounds up many of thetouring bandscomingtothe city andspecial showsatJazzFest time. We also look at day-tripping to festivalsaround Louisiana as well as places to enjoylivemusic outdoors

More events willbeannounced anddetails will be releasedincoming months.Checkweeklylistings in Gambit and online at calendar.gambitweekly.com formoreinformation

March

MARCH 21-26

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS NEW ORLEANS LITERARY FESTIVAL

The festival draws visiting and local authors, scholars, actors and Tennessee Williams fans to the French Quarter for a wide array of events including panel discussions, readings, walking tours, parties, music, the Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest in Jackson Square and more New this year is a slate of fringe festival-style shows, and there are productions of Williams’ plays running concurrently with the festival Visit tennesseewilliams.net for a full schedule

MARCH 22-26

ART IN BLOOM

The theme “Paradise Under the Palms” encourages the use of tropical plants in the annual show matching works of art and installations by floral designers, garden clubs and others. Displays are spread throughout the galleries of the New Orleans Museum of Art. The patron preview is Wednesday, March 22, and there’s a luncheon and fashion show on Thursday, March 23 Visit noma.org for tickets and details

MARCH 23-26

LOUISIANA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

There’s live music, boiled crawfish, amusement rides and more at the festival at the Frederick Sigur Civic Center in St Bernard Parish. The music lineup includes Rockin’ Dopsie Jr and the Zydeco Twisters, The Boogie Men, Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition, Kayla Woodson, The Topcats and more Find the schedule and tickets at louisianacrawfishfestival.com

MARCH 23-26

PATOIS

Patois: The New Orleans International Human Rights Film Festival screens feature length and short films on topics ranging from immigration to racism, education, hurricane recovery in Louisiana, childbirth and midwives and more Films screen at The Broad Theater and The Broadside and some filmmakers will attend screenings. Visit patoisfilmfest.org for schedule and details

MARCH 23-27

NOLA CHAMBER FEST

The festival features chamber music performances by the Akropolis Reed Quintet, Talla Rouge and others and competitions presented by Lyrica Baroque, New

Orleans Friends of Music and the University of New Orleans. Events are at UNO and Tulane University, and some are available online. Visit nolachamberfest.com for tickets and information.

MARCH 23-APRIL 2

‘MISERY’

Jefferson Performing Arts Society presents the stage adaptation of Stephen King’s novel about a fan who rescues and imprisons her favorite mystery writer until he produces the novel she wants. At Teatro Wego! theater in Westwego. Find the schedule and tickets at jpas.org.

MARCH 24

DAN CUMMINS

The comedian and podcaster brings his Burn It All Down tour to the Civic Theatre at 8 p.m. Friday, March 24 Find tickets via civicnola.com.

MARCH 24

DREW LYNCH

The comedian and runner-up on “America’s Got Talent” performs at 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, at The Joy Theater. Find tickets via thejoytheater.com.

MARCH 24

KARLOUS MILLER

The comedian, rapper and podcaster from the 85 South Show brings his At the End of the Day

tour to Orpheum Theater at 7 p.m. Friday, March 24 Find tickets via orpheumnola.com.

MARCH 24 & 26

‘MADAME BUTTERFLY’

Canadian director Aria Umezawa re-imagines Puccini’s “Madame Butterfly.” The New Orleans Opera Association presents the opera at the Mahalia Jackson Theater at 7:30 p.m Friday, March 24, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 26 Find tickets via neworleansopera.org.

MARCH 24-26

SAINTS AND SINNERS LITERARY FESTIVAL

The LGBTQ literary festival is held in conjunction with the Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival and features a slate of readings, panel discussions and workshops on writing, screenwriting, publishing and more. Visit sasfest.org for details

MARCH 24-26

TREME CREOLE GUMBO & CONGO SQUARE RHYTHMS FESTIVAL

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation presents the dual free festivals in Louis Armstrong Park There are two stages with brass bands, Mardi Gras Indians, African dance and more from 10:45 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25, and Sunday, March 26 There also is an art market and craft vendors. On

Friday, March 24, James Andrews & the Crescent City All-stars perform at the George and Joyce Wein Jazz & Heritage Center (admission $10) Visit jazzandheritage. org for performance schedules and information.

MARCH 25-APRIL 30

WE WILL DREAM FESTIVAL: ‘DRAPETOMANIA: A NEGRO CAROL’

The We Will Dream theater festival kicks off with M.D. Schaffer’s “Drapetomania: A Negro Carol,” which reimagines the scheme of Dickens’ holiday classic as the spirits of anti-slavery revolutionaries visiting a young Black man. Various dates range from March 25 through April 30 at the Andre Cailloux Center for the Performing Arts and Cultural Justice. The festival includes other plays and events and runs through June 19. Visit nodreamdeferrednola. com for tickets and information.

MARCH 25

BIG BASS FISHING RODEO

The City Park Conservancy and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries host the freshwater fishing contest, and there is a kayaking event on Bayou St. John. The Fishtival features music, educational exhibits and kids’ activities. At New Orleans City Park on Saturday, March 25 Visit neworleanscitypark.org/visit-city-park/bigbass-fishing-rodeo for details.

KidsrideattheLouisianaCrawfishFestivalinChalmette

PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

MARCH 25

COMMUNITIES FOR THE COAST

The festival features entertainment and information about climate change and preserving the coast, including remarks by Gen. Russell Honore. T-Marie and Bayou Juju and DJ C’est Funk provide music. Indigo Soul provides food From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at St Claude Arts Park in Arabi. Find information at zeitgeistnola.org

MARCH 25

FRERET STREET FESTIVAL

There’s three music stages, food, art and craft vendors along Freret Street between Napoleon Avenue and Valmont Street The music lineup includes Chubby Carrier & the Bayou Swamp Band, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Erica Falls, Los Guiros, Hash Cabbage, Ann Elise Hastings and Her Revolving Cast of Characters, Valerie Sassyfras and more. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday Visit freretstreetfestival.org for information.

MARCH 25

MATTEO LANE

The comedian and cohost of the

Inside the Closet podcast brings his Al Dente tour to The Fillmore at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday, March 25 Find tickets via fillmorenola.com

MARCH 26

EAT DRINK SOFAB WRITERS FESTIVAL

The event features cookbook, culinary and drinks writers including Liz Williams, Zella Palmer, Emanuel Laroche, Tim McNally, Sue Strachan and others. At the Southern Food & Beverage Museum at 1-5 p.m. Sunday, March 26. Free admission. Visit southernfood.org for details.

MARCH 27-APRIL 1

NEW ORLEANS ENTREPRENEUR WEEK

The entrepreneurship, technology and innovation festival features talks, a pitch competition, parties and more There’s a music festival with performances at Generations Hall on March 30-31 and at The Broadside on April 1. Visit noew org for schedule and information.

MARCH 30-APRIL 2

OVERLOOK FILM FEST

The horror film festival includes

movies, music, immersive experiences and more. Films include the New Orleans filmed “Renfield,” starring Nicolas Cage, “Evil Dead Rise,” “Matinee,” starring John Goodman, Jim Jarmusch’s “Only Lovers Left Alive,” Quentin Dupieux’s “Smoking Causes Coughing,” Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog,” “Give me an A,” a collection of short films made in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and more There also are themed slates of short films, horror trivia, a magic show and parties. Visit overlookfilmfest.com for details.

MARCH 31

PETE HOLMES

The comedian, actor and former late-night TV host brings his Where Were We tour to the Civic Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 31 Find tickets via civicnola.com.

MARCH 31-APRIL 1

HOGS

FOR THE CAUSE

The annual barbecue and music festival features roughly 90 barbecuing teams and three music stages Saturday’s lineup includes St Paul and the Broken Bones, Charles Wesley Godwin, Shinyribs,

The Sheepdogs, the Deslondes and more The Devon Allman Project and JoJo Hermann of Widespread Panic, George Porter Jr., Anders Osborne and others perform on Friday Find tickets and a schedule at hogsfest.org.

MARCH 31-APRIL 1

VOLKSFEST

Deutsches Haus hosts the local celebration of the German spring festival Festivities include a Maypole, music, Dachshund races, schnapps tastings, German food and beer Doors open at 4 p.m. Friday, March 31, and 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at Deutches Haus along Bayou St. John. Visit deutscheshaus.org for details.

MARCH 31-APRIL 1

HEMMINGS TAILGATE THROWDOWN

The car and truck event features drag racing, autocross, and new and modified trucks and SUVs There also is kid-friendly power wheels racing, a crawfish boiling competition and more at NOLA Motorsports. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1. Visit nolamotor.com/ events/hemmings for tickets.

ThePaulinBrothersBrassBandperformattheCongoSquareRhythmsandTremeCreoleGumboFestivalsinLouisArmstrongPark

PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

SPRINGPREVIEW Events

April

APRIL 1

NOMA EGG HUNT AND FAMILY FESTIVAL

There’s an egg hunt in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden and the event includes music, face painting, craft activities, food and more. Visit noma org for tickets and information.

APRIL 1

DAVID CROSS

The standup comedian is well known for his role on “Arrested Development” and work on the HBO comedy series “Mr. Show.”

Sean Patton opens at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at The Joy Theater. Find tickets via thejoytheater.com.

APRIL 1

DRUSKI

Internet personality Drew Desbordes, aka Druski, is known for appearances in music videos and is now on a comedy tour He performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Mahalia Jackson Theater. Find tickets via mahaliajacksontheater.com

APRIL 1

HOPE FEST

Irma Thomas headlines the festive fundraiser for Hotel Hope, a nonprofit serving women and children in need of housing There’s food from local restaurants, drinks from Zony Mash and a live auction. At 7 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at Zony Mash Beer Project. Find information at hotelhope.org/hopefest

APRIL 1-2

EGG SCRAMBLE

Children can hunt for eggs and there will be balloon artists, a DJ and photos with the Easter Bunny at City Park’s Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Recommended for children under 9. Find tickets and information at neworleanscitypark.com

APRIL 1-2

SPRING GARDEN SHOW

New Orleans Botanical Garden hosts plant sales, music, crafts, cooking demonstrations and more in New Orleans City Park Visit neworleanscitypark.com for information.

APRIL 2

GATESFEST

The Lost Bayou Ramblers, the

Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Marc Broussard and others perform at the festival at Congregation Gates of Prayer in Metairie There also is an art market, food trucks and a kids’ area Find tickets and information at gatesfest.org.

APRIL 2

‘CINDERELLA’

The World Ballet Series features a touring professional, family-friendly production of “Cinderella” with a score by Sergei Prokofiev. At 7 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center Find tickets via jpas.org.

APRIL 5-16

‘MOULIN ROUGE’

A young Englishman falls for Satine, a singer at a Parisian club, but she is engaged to Duke who funds the club. The touring Broadway musical comes to Saenger Theatre. Showtimes vary from April 5-16 Find tickets via saengernola com.

APRIL 7

RORY SCOVEL

The comedian and TV sitcom actor has released his own comedy specials and wrote for “The Eric Andre Show.” He performs at 8 p.m.

Friday, April 7, at The Howlin’ Wolf Find tickets via thehowlinwolf.com.

APRIL 7

STAVROS HALKIAS

The comedian and podcaster brings his Fat Rascal tour to New Orleans at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, at The Fillmore. Find tickets via fillmorenola.com.

APRIL 7-8

HUMP FEST

Sex and relationship advice columnist and author Dan Savage’s amateur homemade porn festival returns to The Broad Theater. Hump Fest presents a slate of sex-positive short films incorporating all sorts of sex, kink, body types, sexualities and more. At 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8. Find tickets at thebroadtheater.com.

APRIL 8

CRESCENT CITY CLASSIC

The 10K road race begins near the Caesars Superdome and follows a route ending in City Park, where Racefest features music, a race costume contest, inflatables and more. There’s also a two-day Health and Fitness Expo on April 6-7. To

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register and for information, visit ccc10k.com

APRIL 8-MAY 21

WE WILL DREAM FESTIVAL: ‘WHERE THE SUGA STILL SWEET’

The No Dream Deferred theater presents Brian Egland’s “Where the Suga Still Sweet,” about a boy growing up and becoming self-aware. Various dates from April 8 through May 21 at the Andre Cailloux Center for the Performing Arts and Cultural Justice. The festival includes other plays and events and runs through June 19 Visit nodreamdeferrednola.com for tickets and information.

APRIL 9

BUNNY HOPS

The adults-only egg hunt includes beer, jambalaya, novelty bunny ears, a DJ and unlimited rides in the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park Find tickets and information at neworleanscitypark.com

APRIL 11

THE MOTH GRANDSLAM

Winners of monthly Moth story-telling contests compete in the Grandslam at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 11, at The Joy Theater. Find tickets via thejoytheater.com.

APRIL 13-16

FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL

Irma Thomas, Ani DiFranco, Samantha Fish, Big Freedia and the Soul Rebels, Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles and many more will perform on 20 stages spread throughout the French Quarter and along the Riverfront The free festival also features numerous food

vendors, dance lessons, fireworks on opening night, a kids’ activities area and more Visit frenchquarterfest.org for details.

APRIL 14

THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS

The Globetrotters do trick shots and slam dunks and play an exhibition game against the Washington Generals At 7 p.m. Friday, April 14, at UNO Lakefront Arena Find tickets via arena.uno.edu.

APRIL 15

EDDIE B

Eddie B is known for his humorous video series “What Teachers Really Want to Say.” He performs at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Mahalia Jackson Theater. Find tickets via mahaliajacksontheater.com

APRIL 15

ROYAL COMEDY

Sommore, Bruce Bruce, Lavell Crawford, Joe Clair and JJ Williamson perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at UNO Lakefront Arena Find tickets via arena.uno.edu

APRIL 16

LEWIS BLACK

The comedian and former “Daily Show” regular with a gusto for angry rants performs at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 16, at The Fillmore. Find tickets via fillmorenola.com.

APRIL 17-23

ZURICH GOLF CLASSIC

The PGA tour competition brings top golfers to Tournament Players Club in Avondale. Visit zurichgolfclassic. com for tickets and information.

APRIL 18-23

THE RECYCLE CHALLENGE

PARADE & FESTIVAL

There are nightly events and a festival on Saturday, April 22, with music, speakers, vendors and kids’ activities inside and outside St Roch Market Performers include Senegal’s Ame Kora, Bryan Keith & Zydeco Legacy, Victor Campbell & the Immigrants, Zahria Sims Collective and more Find information at the-recycle-challenge.com

APRIL 20-23

DISNEY ON ICE: ‘INTO THE MAGIC’

The show features popular characters and draws on Disney movies including “Beauty and the Beast,” “Moana” and “Coco.” Showtimes vary At UNO Lakefront Arena Find tickets via arena.uno.edu.

APRIL 20-MAY 7

‘HOW I LEARNED WHAT I LEARNED’

Lance Nichols stars in the one-man autobiographical show by and about Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson, whose Pittsburgh Cycle chronicled Black experiences in 20th century America decade by decade. At Le Petit Theatre. Find tickets via lepetittheatre.com

APRIL 21-22

CARTER DEEMS

The Atlanta comedian and battle rapper and veteran of MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out” performs at 8 p.m. Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22, at Zeitgeist Theatre & Lounge in Arabi. Find info at zeitgeistnola.org.

APRIL 21-23

PANORAMA

The Marigny Opera Ballet premieres new short works by Jarina Carvalho and Lauren Guynes at Marigny Opera House. Find tickets via marignyoperaballet.org.

APRIL 22

STATE BALLET OF GEORGIA

The company from Tbilisi, the capital of the former Soviet republic of Georgia, presents two works, “Serenade” and “Concerto Barocco,” while on a limited tour of the U.S. Artistic director Nina Ananiashvili is a former prima ballerina with the Bolshoi Ballet and American Ballet Theatre Presented by New Orleans Ballet Association at the Mahalia Jackson Theater. Find tickets via nobadance.com.

APRIL 25

SWING IN THE OAKS

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra presents an outdoor concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at the Peristyle and the Great Lawn in City Park Find information at lpomusic.com or neworleanscitypark.org.

APRIL 28-29

COVINGTON ANTIQUES & UNIQUES FESTIVAL

The event features vendors offering antiques, collectibles, vintage crafts, architectural salvage and more. There also are demonstrations, a live auction, classic cars, walking tours, food and music. At 419 N. New Hampshire St in Covington

For information, visit covingtonantiquesanduniquesfestival.com

APRIL 28-30, MAY 4-7

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

Lizzo, Dead & Company, Ed Sheeran, Santana, Jill Scott, Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are among the hundreds of performers who will take Jazz Fest’s dozen stages at the Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. The festival’s Cultural Exchange Pavilion highlights bands and artists from Puerto Rico The daily schedules, craft and food vendors and more will be released in late March. Visit nojazzfest.com for tickets and details

APRIL 28-JUNE 17

WE WILL DREAM FESTIVAL: ‘THE DEFIANCE OF DANDELIONS’

The We Will Dream theater festival presents “The Defiance of Dandelions,” a movement piece and ritual performed in the atrium of the Andre Cailloux Center for the Performing Arts and Cultural Justice on various dates from April 28 to June 17 The festival includes other plays and events and runs through June 19 Visit nodreamdeferrednola.com for tickets and information.

MAY 1-3

MayNOLA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

The music and boiled crawfish festival at The Broadside features Marco Benevento, Eric Krasno, Luther Dickinson, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Sonny Landreth, Lost Bayou Ramblers, The Rumble and many more. Find tickets at nolacrawfishfest.com

MAY 2-3

DAZE BETWEEN

There’s two days of music at Faubourg Brewery, with Goose, Tank and the Bangas, Lawrence, Melt and others performing Tuesday, May, 2. Wednesday features Goose, George Porter Jr and Runnin’ Pardners, David Shaw, Neal Francis and more There’s also an art market and food vendors Find tickets at dazebetweennola.com.

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PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

MAY 5-21

‘THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL’

In a rock musical adapted from the Nickelodeon show, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, Sandy and Squidward learn that a volcano threatens Bikini Bottom and try to figure out how to save their home. At Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts Find tickets at rivertowntheaters.com.

MAY 10-28

‘A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM’

The NOLA Project presents Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” a comedy about mismatched young lovers and meddling fairies. In the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden Find tickets via nolaproject.com or noma.org

MAY 11

JOE GATTO

The “Impractical Jokers” and “Misery Index” star performs standup at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 11, at Saenger Theatre. Find tickets via saengernola.com.

MAY 12-13

TREVOR NOAH

The South African comedian, author and former host of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show” performs at Saenger Theatre. Find tickets via saengernola.com.

MAY 13-14

‘ROMEO & JULIET’

New Orleans Ballet Theatre presents the adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy. At Orpheum Theater. Find tickets via neworleansballettheatre.com

MAY 18-JUNE 4

‘THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME’

A mathematically talented teenager who’s on the autism spectrum uncovers the murder of a neighbor’s dog, which leads to further questions and discoveries in the drama based on Mark Haddon’s novel. At Le Petit Theatre. Find tickets at lepetittheatre.com

MAY 19-21

MID-CITY BAYOU BOOGALOO

Juvenile, Yonder Mountain String Band and Reverend Horton Heat headline the festival along the banks of Bayou St John There’s a comedy stage this year, and Sean Patton performs on Sunday, May 21 There’s also a kids’ stage and a large art market, and many attendees bring boats or floating devices. Visit thebayooboogaloo.com for information.

MAY 20

LEANNE MORGAN

The clean comedian performs at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at

Saenger Theatre. Find tickets via saengernola.com

MAY 21

‘RAIN’

The Beatles tribute concert features songs from “Abbey Road” and the band’s famed rooftop concert. At 7 p.m. Sunday, May 21, at Saenger Theatre. Find tickets via saengernola.com

MAY 24

HARI KONDABOLU

The comedian, Bobby Jindal antagonist and “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me!” panelist performs at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at The Howlin’ Wolf Find tickets via thehowlinwolf.com.

MAY 25

FOOD FIGHT

The tasting event at Spanish Plaza features creative and traditional dishes from local restaurants and caterers and cocktails, and there are awards in several categories There’s entertainment from Trixie Minx, James Andrews and the Honey Island Swamp Band. Visit foodfightnola.com for tickets and information.

MAY 26-28

GREEK FEST

The festival features Greek music, dancing, food and more along Bayou St John at the Hellenic Cultural Center There also are tours of the Holy Trinity cathedral, a run/walk, kids’ activities, face painting and more Visit gfno.com for information.

MAY 30-JUNE 4

‘TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD’ TV and film writer Aaron Sorkin

adapted Harper Lee’s landmark novel about racism and injustice, in which Atticus Finch tries to defend Tom Robinson, who is Black and has been accused of raping a white woman in a small Alabama town The touring production comes to Saenger Theatre May 30-June 4. Showtimes vary Find tickets via saengernola.com.

June

JUNE 7-11

NOWFE

The New Orleans Wine and Food Experience features various wine and food tastings, wine dinners at local restaurants, a pizza-making workshop, a cocktail class, seminars on Japanese sake and high-elevation Argentinian wines, and more Find a full schedule and tickets at nowfe.com.

JUNE 9-11

NEW ORLEANS PRIDE

The New Orleans Pride Parade is Saturday, June 10, in Marigny and the French Quarter and there are events at various locations Find a schedule and information at neworleanspride.org.

JUNE 9-11

RE:SET

The music festival features LCD Soundsystem, Steve Lacey, boygenius, Big Freedia, Toro y Moi, James Blake, Jamie XX, Clairo and more At New Orleans City Park’s Festival Grounds. Find tickets at neworleans resetconcertseries.com.

JUNE 13

‘MADAGASCAR — THE MUSICAL’

In the all-ages show, Marty the zebra, Alex the lion, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo escape from the Central Park Zoo and embark on an adventure At Saenger Theatre. Find tickets via saengernola.com

JUNE 15-18

‘THE MUSIC MAN’

Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane opens its season with “The Music Man,” about a con man who falls in love and tries to change his ways. At Tulane’s Dixon Hall Find tickets at liberalarts.tulane.edu/summerlyric-theatre

JUNE 15-30

‘VANYA AND SONYA AND MASHA AND SPIKE’

Elizabeth Newcomer directs Crescent City Stage’s production of Christopher Durang’s comedy about middle aged siblings, which takes some inspiration from the works of Chekhov. At Loyola University’s Marquette Theatre. Find information at crescentcitystage.com.

JUNE 16

NEAL BRENNAN

The comedian, podcaster and former “Chappelle’s Show” writer performs at The Joy Theater. Find tickets via thejoytheater.com.

JUNE 30-JULY 2

ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE

The Essence Festival of Culture features concerts at the Caesars Superdome and speakers and more at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Festival information will be available on essence.com/ essencefestival2023.

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PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

Destrehan

CONCERT CONCERT

Preview

HEREISAPREVIEWOFTOURINGBANDS and some festival-time special shows in spring For daily listings and weekly previews, check Gambit or visit bestofneworleans.com

March

MARCH21 THE WINERY DOGS, HOUSE OF BLUES

MARCH21 JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR, ORPHEUM THEATER

MARCH23 CUPCAKKE, TOULOUSE THEATRE

MARCH24 THE ZOMBIES, HOUSE OF BLUES

MARCH25 DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS, THE JOY THEATER

MARCH26 THE LEMON TWIGS, TOULOUSE THEATRE

MARCH28 JUDAH & THE LION, HOUSE OF BLUES

MARCH29 HAWTHORNE

HEIGHTS, ARMOR FOR SLEEP, HOUSE OF BLUES

MARCH30 G. LOVE & SPECIAL

SAUCE, HOUSE OF BLUES

MARCH30 KAYZO, RAY VOLPE, THE JOY THEATER

MARCH31 HARRY MACK, THE FILLMORE

MARCH31 NEW EDITION, KEITH SWEAT, SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

April

APRIL1 ALEXALONE, GASA GASA

APRIL1 LOS ANGELES AZULES, SAENGER THEATRE

APRIL2 STEVIE NICKS, SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

APRIL5 THE RESIDENTS, THE BROADSIDE

APRIL6 BIG WILD, THE JOY THEATER

APRIL6 CELEBRATING DAVID BOWIE FEATURING PETER MURPHY, ADRIAN BELEW, SCROTE AND MORE, HOUSE OF BLUES

APRIL7 LORNA SHORE, HOUSE OF BLUES

APRIL7 ERIC HUTCHINSON, HOUSE OF BLUES

APRIL7 MIKE, GASA GASA

APRIL8 LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE, SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

APRIL8 POUYA, THE FILLMORE

APRIL8 SKINNY PUPPY, HOUSE OF BLUES

APRIL RAKIM, TIPITINA’S

APRIL9 XIU XIU, GASA GASA

APRIL9 ONYX, HOUSE OF BLUES

APRIL10 BUILT TO SPILL, THE JOY THEATER

APRIL11 HIPPIE SABOTAGE,

ORPHEUM THEATER

APRIL11 HOVVDY, TOULOUSE THEATRE

APRIL12 SILVERSTEIN, THE JOY THEATER

APRIL13 BIG FREEDIA, WITH LPO, ORPHEUM THEATER

APRIL14 TYLER CHILDERS, THE FILLMORE

APRIL15 MAC AYRES, THE JOY THEATER

APRIL15 UNCLE LUCIUS, TOULOUSE THEATRE

APRIL16 MOONCHILD, TOULOUSE THEATRE

APRIL17 SULLIVAN KING, THE JOY THEATER

APRIL18 LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL WITH DRAYTON FARLEY, THE JOY THEATER

APRIL18 PEDRO THE LION, TOULOUSE THEATRE

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PROVIDED PHOTO BY BRANTLEY GUITIERREZ

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PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

WhiteDenim,Pell, People Museum headline N.O.E.W. MusicFestival

NewOrleans EntrepreneurWeekdebuts new, cuttingedgemusic fest March30

Thisarticle is brought to youbyNew Orleans Entrepreneur Week

2.Whatistheratioofout-of-town vs.local artists?

NewOrleansEntrepreneurWeek(NOEW) runs from March27- April 1and features high-profile speakers, networking events and panels. Newthisyear is NOEW Fest, anoriginallivemusicexperienceonMarch 30,31and April1.Below, NOEWFest producer Sig Greenebaum lets us know his inspiration forthe line-up,when and wherewecan catchsome hot acts,and whythe inaugural NOEWFest is one not to miss.

1. NOEW 2023 is all about “Innovation and Culture.” Howdid thatinfluence your talentselection?

Sig Greenebaum: To be aNew Orleanian istoberesilient, andwhen the pressureofhurricanes,pandemics, etc. is on you, you’re forcedtoinnovate and find creativewaystoco-exist with adversity. After all, pressuremakes diamonds,and NewOrleansisshining with culture. Our focus wastospotlight musicians that areconstantlypushing the boundaries of cultural innovation whether through original music, creative businesses,orcommunity leadership

SG: All but twoartistsonthe line-up arelocal, with WhiteDenim andDJMel joining us from Austin, Texas. As TheIdea Villagegrows and expands by helping entrepreneursoutside of NewOrleans, we want toemphasizeNOEWasadestination forblooming entrepreneursacrossour entireregion. As part of our goal to create atrulydynamic lineup,wewantedartists thatweren’tafraid of experimentation, risk-taking, or fitting into amold, so these twoartistsfromTexas’startup hotspot area naturalfit.

3.Whatare3wordsyouwoulduse to describe NOEW Fest?

SG: Inaugural, energized, and curated.

4. Who areyou mostexcited aboutseeing at NOEW Fest?

SG:WhiteDenim! Asarockbandyoucan’t definethem with anyone form or style of rock, and theyhavegreat live energy People Museum, whatcan Isay?Ifyou haven’tseen them, youneedtosee them ASAP.They’ll be playing much,much bigger rooms soon which only makesthis show even morespecial. Pell, co-founder of local creative collective glbl wrmng, is another powerful localartisticmind.

He’s aleader in the citybringingcreatives together in afresh, invigorativeway Another oneisSaxKixAve,acollaboration between rapper Alfred Banks and horn playerAlbertAllenback of Tank and the Bangas.While it started out as aside project, there’ssomething about how theyinteract and co-create that’sexciting and fun to witnesslive. Ultimately, Ican’t choosejustone.I’m excited about all our artists,bands,and DJ’s.Theywereall hand-picked as part of thebigger vision to make the line-upcoexist as part of NOEW.

5. Anythoughts aboutthe venues and NOEW festivalgoer experience?

SG: On Thursdayand Friday, Generations Hall will boast multiple stages with a mix of DJsinone room and bands in the main stageroom, allowing festival goers to have afast-paced, jam-packed night with nonstop music. Another special thing about Friday’sNOEW Fest is thatitwill kick off immediately after the winner of the festival’straditionalpitch competition, IDEApitch, is announced, onlyenhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Saturday’s culminatingday of the festival and NOEW itself will be held at the Broadside, with morefood,anentrepreneurialmarketplace, and DJ T-Royperforming throughout the dayand between other musical acts

NewOrleans Entrepreneur Week (March 27 –April 1) is produced by The Idea Village and sponsoredbyJPMorganChase &Co. The full lineup forNOEW Fest canbefound below:

March 30 @Generations Hall, 5:30 p.m. –10:30 p.m.

WhiteDenim,Juno Dunes,SaxKixAve,DJ Mel, DJ Jess,Carmine P. Filthy

March 31 @Generations Hall, 5:30 p.m. –10:30 p.m.

Pell, Brass-a-holics,Letrainiump, DJ Mel, DJ RQ Away,CarmineP.Filthy

April 1@The Broadside, 11:00 a.m. –4:00 p.m. People Museum, WaterSeed, Young Fellaz BrassBand, DJ T-Roy, Sean Hobbes +the Hi Res

Purchase of aNOEW Fest Pass or NOEW VIP Pass is required to attend NOEW Fest.The NOEW Fest Pass is available for$99.00and theNOEW VIP Pass is available for$250.00 To purchasea NOEW Fest or NOEW VIP pass, visit www.noew.org

APRIL19 MASEGO, REPUBLIC NOLA

APRIL21 HARDY, THE FILLMORE

APRIL21 THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS, TIPITINA’S

APRIL21 SHAKEY GRAVES, CIVIC THEATRE

APRIL22 BLACK BELT EAGLE SCOUT, GASA GASA

APRIL24 THE PLOT IN YOU, HOUSE OF BLUES

APRIL25 HOODOO GURUS, HOUSE OF BLUES

APRIL25 SHAYFER JAMES, GASA GASA

APRIL25 NUOVO TESTAMENTO, HOUSE OF BLUES

APRIL26 KEY GLOCK, THE FILLMORE

APRIL26 BABYFACE RAY, THE JOY THEATER

APRIL26 THE HAPPY FITS, TOULOUSE THEATRE

APRIL27 MINISTRY WITH GARY NUMAN, THE FILLMORE

APRIL27 ELLA MAI, THE JOY THEATER

APRIL27 CC ADCOCK AND TOMMY MCLAIN, CHICKIE WAH WAH

APRIL28 MASTER P, SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

APRIL28 VILLE VALO, HOUSE OF BLUES

APRIL28 WEDNESDAY, GASA GASA

APRIL28 SCARY POCKETS, THE JOY THEATER

APRIL28 GA-20, CHICKIE WAH WAH

APRIL28 LETTUCE AND TOWER OF POWER WITH THE LPO, SAENGER THEATRE

APRIL28 GAP BAND TRIBUTE FEATURING THE NTH POWER AND DUMPSTAPHUNK, TOULOUSE THEATRE

APRIL28 THE SOUL REBELS WITH GZA, TOULOUSE THEATRE

APRIL28-29 WEEN, ORPHEUM THEATER

APRIL29 MONO NEON AND ALVIN FORD, CHICKIE WAH WAH

April29 AARON LEWIS, MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER

April29 CIMAFEST WITH CIMAFUNK, PEDRITO MARTINEZ AND BRENDA NAVARRETE, CIVIC THEATRE

April29 NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS, TAB BENOIT, SAMANTHA FISH, THE FILLMORE

April29 TAKE ME TO THE RIVER: IRMA THOMAS, GEORGE PORTER

JR., BOBBY RUSH, IVAN NEVILLE AND MORE, THE JOY THEATER

April29 TROMBONE SHORTY

THREAUXDOWN WITH MAVIS STAPLES, YOLA, ROBERT RANDOLPH, SAENGER THEATRE

April29 TWO FRIENDS, THE METROPOLITAN NIGHTCLUB

April29 THE WAILERS, HOUSE OF BLUES

April29-30 MOE., TIPITINA’S

April30 KARL DENSON’S TINY UNIVERSE, TIPTINA’S

April30 TIFFANY, HOUSE OF BLUES

May

May1 YVES TUMOR, THE JOY THEATER

May2 SEAL, SAENGER THEATRE

May2 AQUADOLLS, GASA GASA

May3 PETER ROWAN’S REGGAEBILLY, CHICKIE WAH WAH

May4 DIGABLE PLANETS, HOUSE OF BLUES

May4 MELT, CHICKIE WAH WAH

May4 NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS, TIPITINA’S

May4 SAMANTHA FISH AND JESSE DAYTON, CIVIC THEATRE

May4 KARL DENSON’S TINY UNIVERSE, ORPHEUM THEATER

May4 STEELY DAN TRIBUTE WITH MEMBERS OF COOL COOL COOL, SNARKY PUPPY, THE MOTET AND NTH POWER, THE HOWLIN’ WOLF

May4-6 JOE RUSSO’S ALMOST DEAD, THE FILLMORE

May5 AVETT BROTHERS, SAENGER THEATRE

May5 GOV’T MULE, ORPHEUM THEATER

May5 DAISY THE GREAT, GASA GASA

May5 POPPA FUNK & THE NIGHT TRIPPER, CIVIC THEATRE

May5 TERENCE BLANCHARD FEATURING THE E-COLLECTIVE AND TURTLE ISLAND QUARTET, CHICKIE WAH WAH

May5-6 THE DISCO BISCUITS, MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER

May5-6 BETTER THAN EZRA, HOUSE OF BLUES

May6 LUCINDA WILLIAMS, CIVIC THEATRE

May6 LOW CUT CONNIE, GASA GASA

May6 NEAL FRANCIS, TIPITINA’S

May7 BONEY JAMES, ORPHEUM THEATER

May7 THE WORD, THE JOY THEATER

May7 WORSHIP MY ORGAN: JOHN MEDESKI, ADAM DEITCH, WIL BLADES, SKERIK AND MORE, THE HOWLIN’ WOLF

May10 THE CURE, SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

May11 TENACIOUS D, THE FILLMORE

May11 JOE GATTO, SAENGER THEATRE

DuranDuranplaystheSmoothieKingCenteron June7.

PROVIDED PHOTO

MasterPwillperformonApril28 atSmoothieKingCenter.

PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

LukasNelson&PromiseoftheReal willperform April18at,TheJoyTheater.

PROVIDED PHOTO

May12 THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS, HOUSE OF BLUES

May13 DANIELLE PONDER, TOULOUSE THEATRE

May14 BILLY PORTER, SAENGER THEATRE

May14 HUNTER HAYES, HOUSE OF BLUES

May16 CONAN, SIBERIA

May16 MEG MYERS, HOUSE OF BLUES

May17 JAGWAR TWIN, HOUSE OF BLUES

May17 ALTER BRIDGE, THE FILLMORE

May18 MARS VOLTA, ORPHEUM THEATER

May19 GRANDSON, K.FLAY, THE JOY THEATER

May20 ZACH BRYAN, SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

May24 PIERCE THE VEIL, THE FILLMORE

May24 IT’S TIME: TASHA COBBS

LEONARD, NAOMI RAINE, KATIE TORWALT AND TAMELA MANN, SAENGER THEATRE

May27 DERMOT KENNEDY, THE FILLMORE

May27-28 DRIVIN N CRYIN, CHICKIE WAH WAH

May28 ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE, GASA GASA

June

June2 BAND OF HEATHENS, CHICKIE WAH WAH

June2 MARY CHAPIN

CARPENTER, ORPHEUM THEATER

June3 KOE WETZEL, CHAMPIONS SQUARE

June4 WATERPARKS, HOUSE OF BLUES

June4 SHAME, TOULOUSE THEATRE

June7 UGLY KID JOE, PISTOLS AT DAWN, HOUSE OF BLUES

June7 DURAN DURAN, SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

June10 RYAN ADAMS & THE CARDINALS, SAENGER THEATRE

June11 BILLY BOB THORNTON & THE BOXMASTERS, HOUSE OF BLUES

ToriAmoswillperformonJune20 atMahaliaJacksonTheater.

June15 JARED MATTSON, SANTOS BAR

June16 DRAKE, 21 SAVAGE, SMOOTHIE KING CENTER

June17 LES CLAYPOOL MARDI GRAS WORLD

June20 TORI AMOS MAHALIA JACKSON THEATER

June21 PIXIES, FRANZ FERDINAND, THE FILLMORE

June23-25 THE DRESDEN DOLLS, TOULOUSE THEATRE

June27 THE STRUTS, CIVIC THEATRE

June28 FLEET FOXES, THE FILLMORE

PHOTO BY SOPHIA GERMER / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

DrakewillperformatSmoothieKing Centeron June16.

PHOTO BY DAVID GRUNFELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

outdoor music outdoor music ‘TIS THE season FOR

byJohnStanton | Gambit editor

ONEOFTHEBESTTHINGSABOUTLIVING

INSOUTHERNLOUISIANA is, of course, being able to see some of the greatest live music in the world, pretty much any time of day, 365 days a year But the spring after the rain and cool temps of winter are gone but before the weather gods turn the furnace up is when we’re treated to the glory that is outdoor music.

Outdoor music has long been a part of crawfish boils, block parties and the like in New Orleans. Since the pandemic began, bars like BJ’s Lounge in Bywater or breweries like Zony Mash that have backyard space or courtyards have increasingly used that space to have small scale shows on weekend days But other than Bacchanal and a handful of other spots, actual outdoor music venues have been relatively sparse outside the French Quarter.

Although the City Council passed new rules easing the permitting process for outdoor venues last year, we still haven’t seen new venues opening But there are still plenty of spots around town where you can see live outdoor shows this spring

One of the most successful has been The Broadside on Broad. Opened during the pandemic, the venue underwent a significant overhaul over the winter That included permanent bathrooms and a concession stand, as well as a revamp of its stage, including upgrades to the lighting and sound, making an already awesome outdoor venue even better

This spring’s lineups include the March 23 showing of “Metropolis” with a live score by Brian Haas, Mike Dillon, James Singleton and James Evans, the weekly “BreakFest” series of music, yoga and brunch on Sundays starting at 9: 30 a.m., NOLA Crawfish Festival May 1-3 and the Megalomaniacs Ball May 5.

Although The Broadside is known for its offerings of local music and performers, it has expanded its lineup to also include some touring acts For instance, Australian-born roots musician Nattali Rize will hit the stage May 17 as part of her Liberate tour

Then there’s Music Box Village. In addition to weekly Friday happy hour performances featuring local artists like Emily Mikesell and Sabine McCalla, the Bartertown-esque Bywater spot will also feature Drag Brunchzilla hosted by Tarah Cards April 23, Afro-Caribbean

act Ife D.R.U.M. Thursday, May 3, and Congolese experimental electronic band KOKOKO! May 10

Meanwhile, Faubourg Brewery will continue to offer family-friendly outdoor music and events this spring at its sprawling 9th Ward campus. In addition to a skate night March 24 with the Big Easy Roller Derby skaters, the “Daze Between” event is back for its second year the first weekend of May and will feature Tank and the Bangas, David Shaw, George Porter Jr and Neal Francis, with Connecticut jam band Goose headlining both nights.

The Wednesday at the Square free concert series brings bands to Lafayette Square in the CBD through May 17 There are two bands every week, and the lineup includes Galactic, Houston’s The Suffers, George Porter Jr and Runnin’ Pardners, The Soul Rebels, Nigel Hall, the glbl wrmng collective and more The concerts are like mini-fests, complete with food and drink vendors and an art market in the park.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MUSIC BOX VILLAGE PapaTitosSompaatMusicBoxVillage

PHOTO BY JOHN STANTON / GAMBIT

TheLostBayouRamblersperformingatBroadside

BigSam’sFunkyNationperformsata WednesdayattheSquareconcertin2019

PHOTO BY SCOTT THRELKELD / THE TIMES-PICAYUNE

SPRINGPREVIEW Events

TravelingFests

Traveling

GenoDelafose&FrenchRockin’

by Jake Clapp

choice whether to go to Festival International or Jazz Fest’s first weekend. The festival’s international artists often share cultural roots with Louisiana peoples French, Spanish, Caribbean, West African and more demonstrating the many global connections in Louisiana music

This year’s lineup features Christian singer Lauren Daigle, Benin singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo, French reggae band Dub Inc, New Orleans’ Tank and the Bangas, traditional Korean ensemble ADG7, Los Angeles Chicano band Las Cafeteras and many more. Along with the music, there will be dozens of arts, crafts and food vendors at the festival. Festival International runs Wednesday, April 26, through Sunday, April 30, and is free to attend Find more information at festivalinternational.org

Louisiana Pirate Festival

WITHASMUCHMUSIC,FOODANDFESTIVALEVENTSGOINGON in New Orleans this spring, it can be easy to forget there’s a unique state out there to explore. Communities across Louisiana host spring festivals celebrating their local culture, food and music. Here are five festivals coming up in April and May worth hitting the road to check out.

Louisiana Lao New Year Festival

Just south of Broussard in Acadiana sits the residential enclave Lanexang Village, home to a small Lao community. There are about 60 homes in the Iberia Parish village, but every Easter weekend, Lanexang Village and its Theravada Buddhist temple, Wat Thammarattanaram, explode with visitors for a three-day celebration of the Laotian New Year The festival draws Laotians from across the state and country as well as people from across south Louisiana for a parade, live music, a beauty pageant, sandcastle building, kids’ activities and more There also is a large market of vendors selling Southeast Asian dishes, clothes, jewelry and art

The Louisiana Lao New Year Festival celebrates the Year of the Rabbit on Friday, April 7, through Sunday, April 9, in Lanexang Village. General admission is free, and VIP all-access tickets are available for $50 via eventbrite com. Find more information and a schedule of events at facebook com/louisianalaonewyear

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

A number of cities and towns lay claim to the title of “Strawberry Capital of the World,” but Ponchatoula makes a good case for it In the early 20th century, strawberries were a major crop in Louisiana, and while the number of strawberry farms has dwindled as the wider farming industry has changed, Tangipahoa Parish still leads the state in strawberry production.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival celebrates the strawberry and the state’s farmers with a float parade, two stages of music, a strawberry eating contest, and vendors selling arts, crafts and food with a lot of strawberry items. The music lineup includes The Phunky Monkeys, Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces, Parish County Line, Thomas Cain, Dukes of Country, Souled Out and more The free festival runs Friday, April 14, through Sunday, April 16, in Ponchatoula’s Memorial Park. Find more information at lastrawberryfestival.com

Baton Rouge Blues Festival

Blues history runs deep in Baton Rouge. Musicians like Slim Harpo, Lightnin’ Slim and Lazy Lester gave birth to the unhurried, soulful swamp blues influential on the British rockers of the ’60s, like the Rolling Stones and Yardbirds

Living legend Buddy Guy got his start in Baton Rouge before storming Chicago, and guitarists like Chris Thomas King, Kenny Neal and Smokehouse Porter keep the blues alive on stages across the country.

Since 1981, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival has been honoring that local history while highlighting some of the best blues musicians from across the country. The 2023 festival runs Friday, April 21, through Sunday, April 23, in downtown Baton Rouge and features Tommy Castro & The Painkillers, Elizabeth King, Southern Avenue, The Peterson Brothers, TC Carter Band and more across three stages General admission is free, and there are $200 VIP passes available Find more information at batonrougebluesfestival.org.

Festival International de Louisiane

For more than 35 years, Festival International de Louisiane has brought Louisiana talent and international musicians together in downtown Lafayette and made many of us make the impossible

There’s a legend in Lake Charles that the pirate Jean Lafitte would use the area’s waterways as a base and hideout and even hid treasure somewhere in the area now known as Contraband Bayou. No one has ever found the treasure, but Lake Charles embraced the pirate stories look for the crossed pistols lining the increasingly treacherous Calcasieu River Bridge and Contraband Days started in 1958 Now known as the

Louisiana Pirate Festival, the event opens every year with a group of buccaneers landing at the Lake Charles Civic Center, raising the Jolly Roger and capturing the mayor, who is then made to walk the plank

This year’s Louisiana Pirate Festival runs Thursday, May 4, through Sunday, May 14, with music, carnival rides, arts vendors and food in downtown Lake Charles. The live music schedule has not yet been announced, but more information can be found at louisianapiratefestival.com.

BoogieplaySceneLUSInternationale atthe2022FestivalInternational deLouisianeinLafayette.

PHOTO BY BRAD BOWIE / THE ACADIANA ADVOCATE

PHOTO BY JOHN OUBRE / THE ADVOCATE

Sweetandsavory

CHEFLYDIASOLANOISASELF-DESCRIBEDKITCHENHERMIT

Thesoft-spoken,29-year-old chef is happiest when she’screating, bringingdishesboth sophisticatedand downhome to thetable She’sbeenquietlyleading the kitchen at Bakery Barsince late last year,introducing aLatin-meetsLouisiana menuatthe casual cafe in theLowerGarden District.

Adual citizenofCosta Rica and theUnitedStates, Solano spent her childhood betweenLimon and Boston.Her palatereflectsmyriad influences,which shebrings to Bakery Bar’smenu.

Bakery Barwas opened in 2016 by pastry chef Charlotte McGehee and partnerCharles Mary IV,and it’s hometotheir business,Debbie Does Doberge. Thebar serves creative cocktails,withVincent Heitzcurrently running thebar program and thefront of thehouse.The savory menu wasnever themain draw,but Solano hasplans to change that.

Theroadthatled Solano to the Bakery Barkitchen wasanything buttraditional.She grew up with little supervisionordirection,and as aresultwas quicklyand often boredinschool. Asharp-eyedculinaryinstructor askedher if she’d like to learn somethinginstead of wanderingthe hallsofher vocational andtechnical high school in Lexington, Mass

“I guessI wassearchingfor a wayforward,” shesays. “Thereis always somethingnew to learn when it comestoculinary, which meansit’shardtoget boredand getintrouble.”

Solano graduated from culinary schooland hitthe road,working in kitchensalong theway,which she’dalready been doingsince age14. “I didn’thave thegeneric stability that most people grow up with,”she says.

She knocked around from coast to coast, working at farms, hitchhiking andstaying in communes and camps. She cooked meals from whatever wasonhand.Then shewentbacktothe Boston area andworkedasa sushi

chef near Fenway Park,which expandedher skill setand broadened her horizons

Solano’s been in NewOrleans since2015, previously working at Bacchanal forthree years. Herjob at Bakery Bargives her creative licenseand thechancetoflexher culinary muscles.The restaurant serves brunch and dinner Tuesday throughSunday. “This feelslikeit wasthe next step in howmylifewas going,” shesays. “I’m readyfor it.”

She executes her menu with attentiontoboth ingredientsand presentation.Asanod to gluten-free diners, there’sa riff on aclassic chicken andandouille gumbo, with acasavaflour roux thickeningthe veal bone broth studdedwithjalapeno,guajillo and ancho peppers.Her house-made, panko-crusted friedpickles are pinkfromhibiscusflowers andget additionalflavorfromconfitblack garlicand house-made chamoy, a popularMexican sauce made from dehydrated fruit.

Thecheflovestofireupthe smoker outbackand uses it to imbuesmokynotes to afatty

custard of beef marrow filling ahefty bonesplit lengthwise Chimichurri, with itsgarlicky blend of vinegarand herbs, is a perfectcomplementand foil to thedish’srichness

Then there’sher oxtailcroquettes,a ragu of oxtail, mirepoix and redwinethatlolls in asousvide bath for24hours.Smoked Gouda, microgreens andedible flowers topthe crispycroquettes, which come with moreofthat tastygarlicconfitand ajiverde,a Peruvian herb sauce

Themenu also hassimpler dishes like burgersand blackened fish tacos. Thedumpsterfries are tough to resist, toppinghand-cut potatoes with beer cheese pork debrisand friedonions.Her jerk butter wings aremightytasty as well

“I want to makefoodfor date night, or to justfill your belly,” shesays.

FORK +CENTER

Emaildining@gambitweekly.com

Posttime

MANYRESIDENTSAROUNDTHE FAUBOURGST.JOHNNEIGHBORHOOD have closelyeyedthe colorful oldhouse that waslong home to NonnaMia afterthatpizzeria closed last year

That includesrestaurantveteran MatthewFoodyand localbuilder John Segura,who each livea fewblocksaway. Now, thetwo friendsare preparingtoopen theirown newrestaurantat3125 Esplanade Ave.

It will be called thePost Restaurant,and Foodydescribes it as amid-range, family-friendly restaurant forpolishedAmerican cuisine.It’sslatedtoopen around mid-April as renovationsprogress.

Foodyspenthis career in the restaurant business,workingin managementatawidearray of restaurantsaroundthe country from largecompanies to one-off mom-and-pops.

“I’veprobablyopened40restaurants,”hesays. “Thisisthe first one that’s forme.”

Forthe Post, he and Segura startedbylookingatwhatthe neighborhood alreadyhad,and what they thoughtitcould use.

“Everyoneinthe neighborhood hastheir nicheand do it so well, so we askedwhat’smissing in this market,”hesays.

Theopening menu is still taking shape,but will include dishes like alobster andgoatcheese salad, friedcalamari, fish andchips, a rib-eye steak, aburgerand a chickensandwich

Frontofthehouseandbar managerVincentHeitzandchef LydiaSolanoatBakeryBar.

PHOTO BY CHERYL GERBER

PHOTO BY IANMCNULTY /THE TIMES-PICAYUNE TheformerhomeofNonnaMiawill becomePostRestaurant.

Brunch and dinner Tue.-Sun.

CHECKITOUT Agrowing Latin-infused menu to go with sweets

Dine-in and delivery

Bakery Bar builds on its cafe menu by Beth D’Addono |

Semaglutide Injections

“It’ssimple food donewell,”he says.“We’renot trying to reinvent thewheel.”

FoodyisaSyracuse, NewYork, native whohas livedand worked around thecountry.His wife, Rebecca Taylor,isa New Orleansnative.

He lovesNew Orleans cuisine, butthinks hisown restaurant needstocharta differentcourse.

“I don’twanttocompete against dishes that everyone’s grandmother alreadydoesbetter,”he says with alaugh

Renovationsfor thePostwill keep thebasic layout of thebuilding,a homeycottagewithornate woodwork,stained glass and a wrap-around porch. Therewill be twosmall dining roomswith newbanquette seatingbuilt from salvaged church pews.The bar will be acenterpiece, with seating for10aroundits newly installed granitetop,for dining or drinks

Abig piece of theoperation will be outdoor dining. The pavedpatio around thecottage hasroomfor about100 people

Oneareawill be coveredfor allweatheroutdoor dining,beginning with atentand lateramore rigid covering.

Forhours of operation, Foody andSegura also considered what theirneighborhood could use.

ThePostwill servelunch and dinner daily,withbrunch on the weekends and also on Monday

Thename also takesits cues from theneighborhood,withthe horsetrack nearby

“The name is ahomage to theFair Groundsand theracing history we have here,”Foody says.— IANMcNULTY / THETIMES-PICAYUNE

McCool’snewfare

AGOODBARBURGERWILLALWAYSGET

PEOPLETALKING.The oneatDuke Walter’s inside Finn McCool’sIrish Pub fits that bill.But thesaladsalso have peopletalking.

There’sagoodwedge saladwith bigchunksofsourbluecheesein ranchdressing, and aCaesarwith snap to itsanchovy dressing

And then there’sone with roasted goldenbeets andcauliflower, vinaigrettewitha dabof spice,thin-slicedred onion, more bluecheeseand herbs to contrast funkyand fresh, and peanuts gleamingwithchili oilfor afinal flavorburst.

It’s an unusualfindfrombar food that still worksasdrinking food,and that fits Duke Walter’s allover.

Thesmalltavern kitchen has seen anumberofindependent concepts through theyears.Now thekitchen is Duke Walter’s,and it is thebest pubfood Finn McCool’s hasseen in years.

It wasopenedinFebruary by EliotGuthrie andRonnieNew Guthrieruns Congregation Coffee RoastersinAlgiers Point, and New wascookingatCongregation’s cafe before they partnered on the newkitchen

Thegoalis“barfood,done well,” and giventhe setting, that had to include some Irishanchors. Many pubregulars areexpats, witha good numberfromIreland. Guthrieknewthey’dbethe keenest criticsofbar food presented as pubfood

Fish andchips featuresAlaskan codina beer batter that is both puffyand filigreed with crispbits around theedges.Maltvinegar is provided

Thebangers and mashisa picture of heartiness —abroad bowl withgravy-moatedpotatoesand apairofdense porklinks,redolent of nutmeg and mace.Guthrie,who wasa butcher earlier in hiscareer, makes thesausage himself.

Thebar burgerisfirst rate, anda blend of both whitecheddar and American cheese elevates it.The friedchicken sandwich hasa thick coatingofearthy-spicy hotsauce witha backbeat of curryflavor, and acooling layerofcilantro peakingout overthe top.

Afishsandwich redeploys the codasa riff on acertain fast food chain’smenustandard, with a blanket of American cheese,tartar sauce and pickles.

Potato buns from Martin’sare the foundation forall these, a significant notchbetterthan much bar food

Garlic-crusted bagel bitesdisappear fast, and there’sahotdog wrapped in baconand drizzled withcondiments in thekitchen

As Duke Walter’s develops, Guthrieand Newexpecttoadd some breakfast items, which would seem necessaryatapub that opensearly forthe live broadcast of overseas matches.

And, fittinglyfor apub where some dogs qualifyasregulars (outdoorsonly),the name Duke Walter’s is atribute to beloved dogs. Duke wasGuthrie’s late labrador, and Walter is New’s very much livingterrier

KINGMAN ST.#101 |METAIRIE saintlyskin.com

SaqibKeval

Chef by Will Coviello

CHEFS,RESTAURATEURSANDSOCIAL ACTIVISTSSAQIBKEVALANDNORMA

LISTMAN movedfromOakland, California,toListman’s native Mexico City in 2017 to explore their interestsincooking, foodways and socialactivism.They nowrun tworestaurants, Masala yMaizand Meri Gold,aswellasa co-opgrocery.Keval and Listman are visiting NewOrleansthisweek to cook at acollaborative dinner on Tuesday, March21, at Lengua Madrewith resident chef Ana Castro and AtlantachefMaricela Vega of Chico. Visitlenguamadrenola.com forinformation about thedinner.Moreinformation aboutKeval and Listmancan be foundatmasalaymaiz.com

Howdoyouexplorefoodat yourrestaurants?

SAQIBKEVAL: Normaand I startedsix yearsago.Itwas never supposed to be arestaurant. It was aresearchproject lookingintothe migrationofcookingtechniques and ingredientsand politicalmovementsbetween South Asia,East Africa and Mexico

We were offereda restaurant space. We went againstour own ideas and openedupa brickand mortar. We both come from a background of usingfood for politicalmeans and advocating for restaurant workersatthe intersection of food,art and socialjustice. We both have 18 yearsexperience in therestaurantindustry.Wewere like,ifwedoopen arestaurantit needstobefocused on promotion of good labor practices. The restaurant should be aplatform forchange in ourcommunity.We should usefood to supportpoliticalmovements

Theworkwedointhe restaurant groupisfocused on that.How do we create adiningexperience whereour diners, ourstaff,our farmers and producerscan usethe restaurant as aplatform? We push forlabor reform andworkerrights here in Mexico City.

We’renot fine dining,but we use really high-end ingredients. We’re notcasualdining, butwewantservice to feel casual.We’re areally smallrestaurant. We have room for 30 people.And we’reonlyopen forlunch

Howdoyou describethecuisine atyourrestaurants?

K: Foodwise,weare adamantthatour food is notfusion. We focusona term that doesn’texist in English. It’s “mestizaje,” and it meansthe organic blendingofculture that happensovertime. The food that we cook are moments of intersection betweenthe food of Norma’sMexican heritage andthe food of my family, from Indians in East Africa.The waywecreate dishes is we tell thestory of these momentsofintersectionbetween ourrespective food cultures

An example would be astalwart on ourmenu,esquitesmakai pakka. Esquites is aMexican dish of corn servedwithmayonnaise, chilies and lime. We startthe dish as a traditional Mexicandish. We finish it as makaipakka,likeyou’d have on thecoast of Kenya, like wheremy family is from in Mombasa.Makai meanscorn. Pakkaisthe technique of cookingincoconutmilk. With theIndianinfluence,it’scooked with freshturmeric and freshginger and amasala.Wealso finish it with MexicanCotija cheese andaioli Ourfoodgetsnerdy,because we trytotellmigrationstories

Rightnow,when yousit down in therestaurant, we send outa dish as agift. It’s peanuts that we boil in atamarind and chili broth. That dish comeswith astory of groundnuts moving from the AmericastoWest Africa andback to theAmerican South.

Groundnuts arenativetoMexico and South America. When Spanish colonizers came here, they took groundnutswith them,and when EuropeanscolonizedAfrica, peanuts becamepartofWestAfrican foodways.The Portuguese took peanutstoGoa (India), and from thereintoSoutheast Asia

Then during theslave trade, peanuts came to theAmerican south. During that period, the UndergroundRailroadbrought people north. Butit’snot as well knownthatpeople also went south to Mexico,which wasthe first countrytooutlawslavery.Through that,groundnutscamebackto Mexico.Weprepare them in the traditional manner.Inpre-colonial Mexico,theywereboiled. We add other ingredientsthatwerepartof that history.

We like hyperlocal,seasonal foodswith 100%traceability,from thesaltweuse to theplateswe

WINE OF THE WEEK

use. We trytobeclearabout who produceswhat, so it’s traceable

We have aworker-ownednatural wine that we produce. We have aworker-owned cooperative grocery. Allthose projects were startedduringthe pandemic to createalternative sourcesofincome

We took care of ourstaff during thepandemic, makingsurethey hadfullbenefits,and we started other thingstohave income. We do weekly and daily breads.We do breakfast sandwiches and stuff like that.Wehave acoffeewindow andbar.Wemakesalsasand spices andpantrystaples.Wehave some household goods.

Whatwillyoudoatthe LenguaMadredinner?

K: We arejustcomingthereto cook with AnaCastro andMaricela (Vega, of ChicoinAtlanta). We are fans of theirs.Weare inspired by theway they usetheir restaurants as aplatformand theway they care fortheir localfood systems.Wehave collaboratedwith Maricelabefore.

Thedinner is onenight at Lengua Madre. Iamexcited about themenu AdishthatI’llbedoingiskitfo.It’s notatartare,but it’s araw dish.My family is from Ethiopia.We’re doing akitfo,but it’s averyMexican kitfo. We will serveitwith (Louisiana) ingredients, and we’rebringing some mango pickle that we’vebeen fermenting to mixwith thebeef.

We have neverbeen to New Orleans, butthat’salways been adream.Ifindthe city inspiring, especially thefoodhistory and the historyofmigration,and themusic scene andall of that.We’ll be there fora week —first working on the meal,and then we’llhave twodays toexplore

Beringer

Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Thiscrowd-pleasing

CabernetSauvignon is a beautifulBordeauxblend, with soft,roundtannins and aplush,richmouthfeel. Builttoage and develop further complexity,the wine in itsyouth is ripeand juicyupfront with aromas of freshboysenberry, blackberry,and cassis, alongsidedark berryfruit notesoffig, blackcherry cola, andcurrants.

DISTRIBUTED BY

ChefsSaqibKeval andNormaListman

PROVIDEDPHOTO BY ANA LORENZANA

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.

8FreshFoodAssassin — 1900 N. ClaiborneAve., (504) 224-2628; Instagram, @8freshfoodassassin— ChefMannyJanuary’smenuincludes grilledlambchops, T-bone steaks, salmon,crabcakes,deepfried ribs, friedchicken andchar-grilledor seafood-loaded oysters, as well as sideslikecollard greens andmac and cheese.Noreservations.Delivery available. Lunchand dinner

Tue.-Sun $$

Acorn— 12 HenryThomas Drive, (504) 218-5413;acornnola.com— Thecafe 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 $$

Angelo Brocato’s 214N.Carrollton Ave.,(504) 486-1465;angelobrocatoicecream.com This sweetshop serves itsown gelato, spumoni, Italianice, cannolis,biscotti,fig cookies, tiramisu, macaroonsand othertreats. Lunchand

dinner Tue.-Sun $

Annunciation— 1016 Annunciation St.,(504) 568-0245;annunciationrestaurant.com Themenuhighlights

Gulf seafood in Creole,Cajun and Southern dishes. Gulf Drum Yvonne is served with brownbuttersauce with mushrooms andartichoke hearts

Reservations recommended.Dinner

Thu.-Mon $$$

Banana Blossom— 5009th St.,Gretna, (504)500-0997; 504bananablossom com Jimmy Cho’s restaurantserves classic andcreativeThaidishes.

Smoked pork belly andporkmeatballs areservedina lemongrass broth with egg, green onion,cilantroand crispy garlic.Reservations accepted forlarge parties except Friday and Saturday nights.Deliveryavailable.Lunchand dinner Tue.-Sat $$

TheBlue Crab Restaurant andOyster Bar— 118Harbor View Court, Slidell, (985)315-7001; 7900 Lakeshore Drive, (504)284-2898; thebluecrabnola. com The menu includessandwiches, friedand boiled seafood andmore. Basinbarbecue shrimp areserved overcheesegrits with acheesebiscuit.

Outdoor seatingavailable.Noreservations.Lakeview: lunch anddinner

Tue.-Sun.Slidell: lunch Fri.-Sat., dinner

Wed.-Sun $$

Broussard’s— 819Conti St.,(504) 581-3866;broussards.com Themenu includesCreole andcreativecontemporary dishes.Rainbowtrout amandine is served with tassoand corn macque chouxand Creole meunieresauce

Reservations recommended.Outdoor

seatingavailable.Dinner Wed.-Sat., brunch Sun. $$$

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

Breakfastand lunch daily $$

TheCommissary — 634OrangeSt., (504)274-1850; thecommissarynola.

com— Thecentral kitchenfor Dickie Brennan restaurants offers graband-godishesand adine-in menu of sandwiches, saladsand shareable

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

plates.Ahouse-smokedturkeybreast sandwichhas bacon, tomato jam, herbed creamcheese, arugula and herbvinaigrette on Bellegarde honey oatbread.Noreservations.Outdoor seatingavailable.Lunch Tue.-Sat $$

Curio— 301Royal St.,(504) 717-4198; curionola.com The creative Creole menu includes blackened Gulf shrimp served with chickenand andouillejambalaya.Reservations accepted.Lunch and dinner daily $$

DesireOysterBar RoyalSonesta

NewOrleans,300 Bourbon St.,(504) 586-0300; sonesta.com/desireoysterbar

ThemenuhighlightsGulfseafood in Creole dishes.Char-grilled oysters aretopped with Parmesan andherbs Reservations recommended.Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily $$

Dickie Brennan’sBourbon House 144Bourbon St.,(504) 522-0111; bourbonhouse.com— Theseafood restauranthas araw barand alarge selectionofbourbon.Redfish is served withlemon buerre blanc

Reservations accepted.Lunch and dinnerdaily $$$

DragonflyCafe— 530Jackson Ave., (504)544-9530; dragonflynola.com

Thecasual cafe offers breakfastplates, waffles,salads, coffeedrinksand more.Braised ribisservedongreens withcornbread.Deliveryavailable Reservations accepted.Breakfast and lunch Wed.-Sat $$

El Pavo Real — 4401 S. BroadAve., (504)266-2022; elpavorealnola.com

Pescado Vera Cruzisasauteed Gulf fish topped with asauce of tomatoes,olives, onion and capersand served withsteamed rice andstring beans. Themenu also includes tacos, quesadillas,enchiladas,carnitas and more. Outdoor seatingavailable.No reservations.Lunchand early dinner

Tue.-Sat $$

Felix’s Restaurant&OysterBar — 739IbervilleSt.,(504) 522-4440; 7400 Lakeshore Drive, (504)3044125;felixs.com Louisiana oysters areservedraw or char-grilled with garlic, Parmesanand breadcrumbs

Themenu includes seafood platters, crawfish etouffee, po-boysand more. No reservations.Lunch and dinner

daily $$

Frey Smoked Meat Co.— 4141 Bienville St.,Suite 110,(504) 488-7427;freysmokedmeat.com Thebarbecue spot serves pulled pork,ribs,brisket, sausagesand more.Fried pork belly poppers aretossedinpepperjelly glaze.Noreservations.Lunchand

dinner daily $$

FrootOrleans 2438 Bell St.,Suite B, (504)233-3346; frootorleans.com

Thereare freshfruit platters and smoothie bowlssuchasa strawberry shortcakeand more usingpineapple, berries,citrus and more.Noreservations.Outdoor seatingavailable

Breakfast andlunch daily $$

Juan’s FlyingBurrito — 515Baronne St.,(504) 529-5825; 2018 Magazine St., (504)569-0000; 4724 S. Carrollton Ave.,(504) 486-9950;8140Oak St., (504)897-4800;juansflyingburrito com— The Flying Burritoincludes steak, shrimp,chicken,cheddar jack cheese,black beans, rice,guacamole and salsa.The menu also has tacos,

quesadillas andnachos. Outdoor seatingavailable.Noreservations.Lunch and dinner Thu.-Tue $$

Katie’sRestaurant— 3701 Iberville St., (504)488-6582; katiesinmidcity.com

ACajun Cubanhas roasted pork,ham, cheese and pickles on buttered bread. TheBoudreauxpizza is topped with cochon de lait,spinach, onionsand garlic. Delivery available.Reservations accepted forlarge parties. Lunchand dinnerTue.-Sun. $$

Kilroy’s Bar— Higgins Hotel, 480 Andrew Higgins Blvd., (504)528-1941; higginshotelnola.com/dining— Thebar menu includes sandwiches,flatbreads, salads andmore. ALouisiana peach flatbread has prosciutto, stracciatella cheese,arugula and pecans. No reservations.DinnerWed.-Sat. $$

LegacyKitchen’s CraftTavern— 700 Tchoupitoulas St.,(504) 613-2350;legacykitchen.com Themenu includes oysters, flatbreads,burgers, sandwiches,salads and more.ANOLAStyle GritsBowlistopped with bacon, cheddarand 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 $$

MartinWineCellar — 714Elmeer Ave., Metairie,(504) 896-7350;3827Baronne St., (504)894-7444; martinwine. com Thespirits shop’s deli serves sandwiches, salads and more.The Sena saladincludeschicken,raisins, bluecheese, pecans andgreenswith Tabascopepperjelly vinaigrette.No reservations.Lunchdaily $$

Mikimoto 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504)488-1881; mikimotosushi.com

TheSouth Carrollton roll includestuna tataki,avocado and snow crab.The menu also has sushi, sashimi,noodle dishes,teriyakiand more.Reservations accepted.Deliveryavailable.Lunch

Sun.-Fri., dinner daily $$

Mosca’s— 4137 Highway90West, Westwego,(504) 436-8950;moscasrestaurant.com This family-style eatery serves Italiandishesand specialties including chicken alagrande. Bakedoysters Moscaismade with breadcrumbsand Italianseasonings. Reservations accepted.DinnerWed.Sat. Cash only $$$

Mother’s Restaurant— 401Poydras St., (504) 523-9656;mothersrestaurant.net

This counter-servicespotisknown forpo-boys and Creole favoritessuch as jambalaya, crawfish etouffee and redbeans and rice.Deliveryavailable

No reservations.Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily $$

Neyow’sCreole Cafe 3332Bienville St.,(504) 827-5474;neyows.com The menu includes redbeans with fried chicken or porkchops, as well as seafoodplatters, po-boys,char-grilled oysters, pasta, salads andmore. No reservations.Lunchdaily,dinner Mon.Sat., brunchSun $$

Nice Guys Bar&Grill — 7910 Earhart Blvd., (504) 302-2404;niceguysbarandgrillnola.com— Char-grilled oysters are toppedwith cheese.The menu also includeswings,quesadillas,burgers, sandwiches,salads, seafood pasta and more.Noreservations.Lunchdaily, dinner Mon.-Sat $$$

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar&Bistro 720OrleansAve., (504) 523-1930; orleansgrapevine.com— Thewinebar hascheeseand charcuterie boards, shareableplatesand afullmenu. Creole pasta featuresshrimpand andouilletossedwith pappardellein tomato creamsauce.Reservations accepted forlarge parties. Outdoor seatingavailable.DinnerThu.-Sun. $$ PeacockRoom— KimptonHotel Fontenot,501 Tchoupitoulas St.,(504) 324-3073; peacockroomnola.com Blacklentilvadouvancurry comes withroasted tomatoes,mushrooms andbasmati rice.The menuincludes smallplates, aburger, saladsand more. Reservations accepted.DinnerWed.Mon.,brunchSun $$

Rosie’sonthe Roof— HigginsHotel, 480AndrewHigginsBlvd.,(504) 5281941;higginshotelnola.com/dining— The rooftopbar hasa menuofsandwiches, burgers andsmall plates.Noreservations.Dinnerdaily $$

Tacklebox 817Common St.,(504) 827-1651;legacykitchen.com The seafood restaurantservesoysters, seafood, burgers, saladsand more RedfishSt. 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 Themenu features thin-crust pizzas,salads, meatballs and more.A Behrman Hwy. pizzaistopped withporkbelly,caramel, carrots, radishes,jalapenosand herbs.Noreservations.Outdoor seatingavailable

Dinner Tue.-Sat $$

Theo’sNeighborhoodPizza — 1212 S. ClearviewParkway,Elmwood,(504) 733-3803;2125Veterans 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 toppedwith mozzarella,pepperoni,sausage, hamburger,mushrooms,bellpeppers and onions.Therealso aresalads, sandwiches and more.Deliveryavailable

Lunchand dinnerTue.-Sat. $

Tito’sCeviche &Pisco — 1433 St. CharlesAve., (504)354-1342; 5015 Magazine St.,(504) 267-7612; titoscevichepisco.com Peruvian lomo saltado features beef sauteedwith onions, tomatoes,cilantro, soysauce and pisco, served withfried potatoes and rice. Outdoorseating available on Magazine Street. Deliveryavailable Reservations accepted.Lunchand dinnerMon.-Sat., brunchSun $$$

TheVintage 3121 Magazine St., (504) 324-7144;thevintagenola.com The menu includes beignets,small plates, sandwiches andflatbreads. Theveggie pressed sandwich hasavocado,onions, arugula,red pepper,pepper jack cheese andlemon.Noreservations

Delivery andoutdoor seatingavailable

Breakfast, lunchand dinner daily $$ ZhangBistro— 1141 DecaturSt.,(504) 826-8888;zhangbistronola.com

Themenu includes Chinese and Thai dishes.The Szechuan HotWok offers a choiceofchicken,beef, shrimp or tofu withonions, bellpeppers,cauliflower, jalapenosand spicySichuan sauce. Reservations accepted.Lunchand dinnerThu.-Tue. $$

you’ll find touringthe country —and still,progressivepolitics creepinasthe Truckers dream of abetterSouth.The band plays with MargoCilkerat8 p.m. Saturday,March 25,atthe Joy Theater. Ticketsstart at $25via thejoytheater.com.

Louisiana Crawfish Festival

THELOUISIANACRAWFISHFESTIVAL INCHALMETTEHIGHLIGHTSBOILED CRAWFISH andlivemusic.The musiclineupincludesRockin’ Dopsie Jr.& theZydecoTwisters, TheBoogie Men, Ryan Foret& ForetTradition,Kayla Woodson, TheTopcats andmore. There also areamusementrides,an artmarket, food vendors and more.FromThursday, March23, through Sunday,March 26,at Frederick J. SigurCivicCenter. Tickets$8inadvance, $10at thegate. Find theschedule and ticketsatlouisianacrawfishfestival.com.

‘Josephine Baker: From Creole Goddess to SirenofResistance’

CABARETSINGERANAISST.JOHN CHANNELSPARISIANJAZZAGE star

JosephineBaker in ashowof musicand spoken word performance. Bakerwas born in St Louisand rose to fame withher risqué actinParis,and theshow includesher supportofthe Allies during WorldWar II and return to theU.S.Performances areat7 p.m. Friday,March 24,and 2p.m Saturday,March 25,and Sunday, March26, andthe show continues March31-April 2. Tickets $42$45via nationalww2museum.org.

Jessica Meyerpremiere

TOCELEBRATEITS10THANNIVERSARY,THEHUBNEWMUSIC winds and strings quartetcommissioned aseriesofworks that are premiering around thecountry NienteFortehosts thedebut of acclaimedNew York violinist and composerJessicaMeyer’s“Spirits and Sinew,”apiece inspired by NewOrleans’ spirits. Therealso areworks by Daniel Thomas Davis, Angelica Negron and Nina C. Young.At7p.m.Tuesday, March21, at Tulane University’s DixonAnnex. Reservefreeseats viaEventbrite.

‘MadameButterfly’

CANADIANDIRECTORARIAUMEZAWA RE-IMAGINESPUCCINI’S“MADAME BUTTERFLY,” lookingatthe story from theperspective of women and challenging theperceptions

of Asianstereotypes.The New Orleans OperaAssociation presents theoperaatthe Mahalia Jackson Theaterat7:30p.m.

Friday,March 24,and 2:30 p.m. Sunday,March 26.Findtickets vianeworleansopera.org.

VanessaCarlton

PIANISTANDSINGERVANESSA

CARLTONRELEASEDHERSIXTHSTUDIO

ALBUM,“Love is an Art,”inearly 2020,and is finally nowout on aU.S.headliningtour, her first in five years. TheFuturePain tour takesits name from asong on her latest album, areflective tune on repeatingdestructive habits.Carlton performs at 7p.m Tuesday, March21, in TheParish Room at theHouse of Blues. Tickets are$25 via livenation.com.

ArtinBloom

THEANNUALARTINBLOOMEXPOFEATURESFLORALINSTALLATIONS spread throughoutthe galleries of the NewOrleans Museum of Art. This year’s themeis“Paradise Under thePalms,” andfloraldesigners, garden clubsand otherswill incorporatetropicalplantsinto worksinspired by piecesinthe museum collection.The patron preview is Wednesday, March22, and there’saluncheonand fashionshowonThursday, March23. Theexporuns March23-26.Visit noma.org forticketsand details.

Luther Dickinson, JoannaDivineand RiverbendRamblers

NORTHMISSISSIPPIALLSTARGUITARISTLUTHERDICKINSONANDSINGER SONGWRITER JoannaDivine perform with theRiverbend Ramblers,featuring guitarist Eric Heigle andAndre Michot of theLostBayou Ramblers

At 8p.m.Friday, March24, at Chickie WahWah.Tickets$25 viachickiewahwah.com

‘Misery’

KATHYBATESTOOKANUNFORGETTABLETURN as thetwisted Victorian romancenovelfan in Stephen King’s psychologicalthriller

“Misery.”Jefferson Performing Arts Society presents thestage adaptation of thenovelabouta writerrescued andthen imprisoned by afanatic angered by thedeath of aleadingcharacter.

At 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23,through Saturday,March 25, and 2p.m Sunday,March 26.The show runs untilApril 2atTeatro Wego!theater in Westwego

Tickets $20-$35atjpas.org

LauraFisher

NEWORLEANSPIANISTANDVOCALISTLAURAFISHERISWORKINGON TWONEWALBUMS this year and will release thefirst,“In Name Only,For It is Neither,”with a concertonThursday, March23, at theMarigny OperaHouse.The albumofvulnerable,ethereal chamber popfeaturestrombonistJeremyPhipps(of People Museum,a groupFisher has performed with in thepast), cellistSam Hollier, harpistCassie Watson Francillon and more NewOrleans musicians.Jess Joy also will performstartingat8 p.m. Admissionis$20 suggested donation and $10for students and seniors.Noone turned away forlackoffunds.Findmore informationatmarignyoperahouse.org

Flighteous

NEWORLEANSPRODUCERANDEMCEE

FLIGHTEOUS releaseshis new album, “Fools and Dreamers,” witha concertonFriday, March 24,atthe HouseofBlues’Big Mama’s Lounge.Achild of aNew Orleansmusician,Flighteous attended theNew Orleans Center forCreativeArtsand began releasinghis ownmixtapesin 2008.His previous albumis 2020’s “Water forthe Thirsty.” Friday’s concertstartsat9 p.m. and featuresDJRaj Smoove and IndysBlu.Ticketsstart at $15 viauniverse.com.

LouisMichot and Maggie Koerner

LOSTBAYOURAMBLERSFRONTMAN

LOUISMICHOTANDSINGERMAGGIE

KOERNER performatWednesday at theSquare. Thefreeconcert runs from 5p.m.to8p.m Wednesday, March22, andthere arefoodand drinkvendorsand an artmarket. Free admission. Find informationatylcwats.com

Paradigm Garden ConcertSeries

THECENTRALCITYURBANGARDEN

KICKSOFF acouple of spring concerteventswithmusic by Earthkry on Tuesday, March 21.There’sfoodbychefs from Coquette, La Petite Grocery, Baru,Ancoraand Karibu Kitchen,and drinks areprovidedbyRoulaisonDistilling Co., CatheadDistilleryand Miel Brewery. Doorsopen at 6:30 p.m. Tickets$100 viaparadigmgardensnola.com.

APRIL2 10AM TILL 4PM

30+ LOCALARTISTS &VENDORS

$5 EASTER BUNNY PICS (TAKEN ON OWNPHONE) FOOD &TREATS 50+ PRIZES GRANDPRIZE DOONEY AND BOURKE PURSE 50/50 RAFFLES

VENDORSPOTS AVAILABLE CALL TIFF @(504)512-2249 4411CHASTANT

MUSIC

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

TUESDAY21

BAMBOULAS —Doyle CooperBand, 1:15 pm;504 Goodies, 5:30 pm;AndyJ Forest BluesBand,9pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —DinosAurchestra, 6pm; Soul Brass Band,9 pm

DOSJEFES —Tom Hook,8:30pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB

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

GASA GASA —Tomato FlowerwithSteef, Sword II,9 pm

NEW ORLEANSJAZZMUSEUM ArrowheadJazzBand,2 pm

THERABBITHOLE —Rebirth Band,10pm

WEDNESDAY22

BAMBOULAS —Walkerand the3Finger Slingers,1:15pm; Swingin’with John Saavedra, 5:30 pm;Roule and the Queen, 9pm

BLUE NILE —New BreedBrass Band,9 pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —Tin Men, 6pm; JoyClark,9 pm

DOSJEFES —KrisTokarski,8:30 pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB

Richard"Piano"Scott, 12:30 pm; Bourbon StreetStars,5 pm;Fritzel’s AllStar Band,8 pm

HOTELMONTELEONE —JamesMartin Band,8pm

LAFAYETTESQUAREPARK —Maggie Koerner,Louis Michot,5 pm

THEBROADSIDE —Jason MarsalisTrio Excusions,PhilDegury,7 pm

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE —Funkin' It Up withBig Sam, 7:30 pm

THURSDAY23

BAMBOULAS —Sigridand theZig Zags, 1:15 pm;Cristina Kaminisand theMix, 5:30 pm;Wolfe John's BluesBand,9pm

BLUE NILE —WhereY'atBrass Band,9 pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —Bon Bon Vivant,10pm

DOSJEFES —MissAnna Quinn, 8:30 pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB

Richard“Piano”Scott,12:30 pm;Doyle Cooper Band,2:30 pm;John Saavedra Trio,6 pm;Fritzel's AllStarBand,8pm

PAVILION OF THETWO SISTERS

—WandaRouzanand ATasteofNew Orleans, 6pm

PEACOCKROOM, HOTELFONTENOT Rachel Murrayand JoeBouchá ,8 pm

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE —Brass-AHolics,7:30 pm

FRIDAY24

BAMBOULAS —The Rugcutters,2:15pm; LesGetrexNCreole Cooking, 6:30 pm; Bettis +3rd Degree Brass Band,10pm

BLUE NILE —The Caesar Brothers, 7pm; To Be ContinuedBrass Band,11pm

BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM —Trumpet Slim &Brass Flavor,10pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —SmokingTime Jazz Club,5 pm;PapaMali, Reggie ScanlanMarilyn Barbarin,Keiko Komaki

Michael"fou" Fouquier, 10 pm

DOSJEFES —Vivaz!, 9pm

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 —JesseDeSilvawith Lilli

Lewisand Ever More Nest,9 pm

HIDEAWAY DEN&ARCADE —The Strays, 8pm

HOUSE OF BLUES —The Zombies, 7pm

KERRYIRISH PUB —PatrickCooper,9 pm

MADAMEVIC'S —Cricket and the2:19, 8pm

MANDEVILLE TRAILHEAD —Four

Unplugged,6:30pm

MUSICBOX VILLAGE —Emily Mikesell

Band,5 pm

NEUTRAL GROUND COFFEEHOUSE

Bongos@9,7:30pm; Jamie

Bernstein, 9pm

NEW ORLEANSJAZZNATIONAL HISTORICALPARKINDUTCH ALLEY

Sidiki Conde andWowo Souakoli,2pm

NOLABREWING TAPROOM —The Love

Muscles,6pm

PIROGUE’SWHISKEYBAYOU —Scamp

Walker and We Hate Lindsey,8pm

PUBLIC BELTATHILTONRIVERSIDE

PhilMelancon, 8pm

REPUBLIC NOLA —NOTD&Imanbek, 11 pm

SANTOS —Unwritten Lawwith Authority

Zero andMercy Music, 7pm

SIDNEY'S SALOON —DarkLounge

Ministries,7 pm;MichaelRudolphCummings,Hex Windham,DustySantamaria &The Decision, 9pm

THEGEORGEAND JOYCEWEINJAZZ&

HERITAGE CENTER —JamesAndrews

&The Crescent City Allstars,8 pm

THETHREEKEYS —NoahYoung Band,9 pm

TIPITINA'S —CedricBurnside, 8pm

ZONY MASH BEER PROJECT —Bon Bon Vivant,DanaIvesand WhisperParty,9pm

SATURDAY25

BAMBOULAS —New Orleans Swinging Gypsies, 2:15 pm;Johnny Mastro Blues, 6:30 pm;PaggyPrine, 10 pm

BLUE NILE —George BrownBand,7pm

BLUE NILE BALCONY ROOM —The Marigny StreetBrass Band,10pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —Russel Welch's Wood FloorTrio, 3pm; Tuba Skinny,6 pm;LittleFreddie King,10pm

DEWDROPSOCIAL&BENEVOLENT

HALL —ArcoLatino-LaOrquesta Moderna,6:30pm

DOSJEFES —Sunpie &The Louisiana Sunspots,9 pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB

Richard“Piano”Scott,12:30 pm;Steve Detroy Band,2:30 pm;Lee Floydand Thunderbolt Trio, 6pm; Fritzel's AllStarBand,9 pm

GASA GASA —The Slaps, 9pm

HIDEAWAY DEN&ARCADE —Altered Sunw/Marsh& WhiteRose Motel, 8pm

MADAMEVIC'S —EmeraldTrio, 8pm

NEUTRAL GROUND COFFEEHOUSE

B.A.G. and Friends, 7:30 pm

NOLABREWING TAPROOM

Dave Jordan,6pm

PIROGUE’SWHISKEYBAYOU

Cricket and the2:19, 8pm

PUBLIC BELTATHILTONRIVERSIDE PhilMelancon, 8pm

REPUBLIC NOLA —HE$H,11pm

RIVERSHACK TAVERN —The Bad Sandys,8 pm

ROCK 'N'BOWL —Jedeye Mind Trick,8:30pm

SANTOS —Twen,9pm

SIDNEY'S SALOON —April Magazine, NewFools,The Bloomies,9 pm

THEDOMINO —Harry Mayronne,Bremner Duthie,David C. Symons, 7pm

THEJAZZPLAYHOUSE —The Nayo JonesExperience, 7:30 &9pm

THERABBITHOLE —The BreatheArt Project Ft.Quadry,8pm; Techno Club: Deep,11:45 pm

ZEITGEIST THEATRE —APretty Good Alibi,8pm

SUNDAY26

BAMBOULAS —MattRhodyand theJasmine, 1:15 pm;MidnightBrawlers, 5:30 pm;EdWillsBlues 4Sale,9pm

BLUE NILE —StreetLegends Brass Band,10pm

BLUE NILE —The BakedPotatoes, 7pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —AuroraNealand’s Wood FloorTrio, 5pm; Palmetto BugStompers,6pm; Treme Brass Band,10pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB

BanjoonBourbon with Seva Venet, 12 pm;Joe KennedyBand,2 pm;Marla DixonBand,5 pm;Fritzel’s AllStar Band,8pm

GASA GASA —WojtekIndustries with Mesopeak,Meeka, 9pm

NOLABREWING TAPROOM TheShanks, 3pm

OLDARABI LIGHTHOUSE RECORDS ANDBOOKS —BremnerDuthie,3pm

THEMAISON —Norbert Susemihl's New OrleansAll-Stars, 4pm

MONDAY27

BAMBOULAS —The Four Horsemen of Jazzfest,1:15pm; TheMelatuan's, 5:30 pm;CrawdaddyT's Cajun/Zydeo Review,9 pm

D.B.A. NEW ORLEANS —SecretSix Jazz Band,6 pm;JamesMartinBand,9 pm

DOSJEFES —John Fohl,8:30pm

FRITZEL'SEUROPEAN JAZZ CLUB

Monday AfternoonAll Stars, 12:30pm; LeeFloyd and Thunderbolt Trio,5pm; Richard"Piano"Scottand Friends, 8pm

GASA GASA —Dusky Waters with Red McAdam,SierraByranand Beach Angel,9 pm

SIDNEY'S SALOON —The Amazing Henrietta, 6:30 pm

ZONY MASH BEERPROJECT —Weavr, TheNancies, Nova Junction,Lisbon Girls, 8pm

BoundlessJoy

by JakeClapp

EVENTHROUGHAVIDEO,IT’SEASYTO FEELTHEENERGY of some 10,000 people cheeringfor JoyClark.The NewOrleans singer and guitarist hadjoined Americana artist Allison Russellfor ashowduringBrandi Carlile’sGirls Just WannaWeekend in RivieraMaya, Mexico,and they workeda coverof“Landslide” onto theset list. Encouraged by Russell and guitarist MandyFer,Clark steppedtothe mic, and thecrowd roared as shestarted to sing “The love Ifeltcomefromthat audience— if youwatch thevideo,I sing alineand then it waslike, whoa,” Clark says.“Ihad to stop andjust smile. It wassuchamonumental,joyfuland emotional experience forme.”

It’s also just as easytopick up on Clark’s optimism in her musicand charisma both on andoffstage. Rooted in Americana and folk pop and notafraid to letitrock—Clark’s songsare warm,heartfelt,intimate and hopeful. It’s notthathardtimes and heartachearen’tahead,but that she’sstrongenough to weather it

NewOrleanianscan catchthat energy live on Wednesdaynightsin Marchatd.b.a.The weekly residency on FrenchmenStreetcomes during abusytimefor Clark:After her showswithAllisonRussell in January, Clark wasafeatured actatFebruary’sFolkAlliance International ConferenceinKansas City,Missouri, and last Friday, playedthe Folk AllianceShowcase at SouthbySouthwest (SXSW)

She’salso on thelineupfor French QuarterFest andJazzFest, and she’ll open forGeorgePorterJr. on April 26 at Wednesdayat the Square. To topitoff,Clark recently releaseda liveacoustic album, “Live! In Seattle,”available on CD at hershows,and she’ll be featured in Rhiannon Giddens’ newPBS series, “MyMusic,” which premieresMay 1. Abusy2023follows abreakout 2022 forClark.She metRussellin Nashvilleatanevent organizedby BlackOpry— an organization elevating Blackartists in countryand folk music—and joined her band early last year.Itled to Clark playing theRyman Auditorium,SXSW, “Jimmy Kimmel Live”and thepreshow at theGrammyAwards.

“ItfeltlikewhateverI showed up to,itjust spread like awildfire,” Clark says

Butnoneofithappenedout of theblue. “New Orleans has cultivatedmyart so much,” shesays.

“I’vebeenaplayerhere. I’ve played

PROVIDEDPHOTO BY LAURASCHNEIDER

with differentprojects, andI’ve learnedhow to supportpeople and do well at it.It’sthatNew Orleans training of beingable to step in and be apartofsomething and make it shineevenmore.”

Clarkwas borninHarveyand,as thedaughterofa minister,grewup withmusic at church.She became obsessed with theguitaratanearly age, andasshe grew older found musicalinfluencesinTracy Chapman, LalahHathawayand AnitaBaker

Clark startedwriting her own musicand performingwhile at theUniversityofNew Orleans and joined her first band, Soulkestra,an all-femalegroup started by pianist Monica Dillon.After graduating, Clark continuedtobuild her career in NewOrleans,performingwith BigChief Alfred Doucette,Cyril Nevilleand pianistLilliLewis,and shereleased her first EP in 2020 Clark and Lewis, both queer Blackwomen,are amonga growingnumber of Blackmusicians particularly women —re-claiming Americana, like Russell,Yola,Joy Oladokunand Lizzie No.Country, folk and thelarger umbrella of Americana music aregenres rooted in AfricanAmerican musictraditions,but theindustry hasbeen hostiletoBlack musiciansfor much of history. Still,Black musicians have always made musicinthose genres.Clark would like to seethe conversation move past the“newness,” shesays.

“Our presence isn’tnew.We’ve been kept out. We’vebeenhere, buthaven’tbeenaccepted,” Clark says.“What Iwould like theconversation to be is,yeah, this is our arena.It’snot new. Thereare so manyofus, and there’salways been so many of us.Let’s justnormalize and stop beingsurprised.”

Find JoyClark’s music and moreatjoyclarkmusic.com.

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JoyClarkplaysWednesday nightsatd.b.a

EVENTS

Shoutout

by WillCoviello

FORYEARS,THESHOUTING CONTESTFORWOULD-BE STELLASANDSTANLEYS meant theTennessee Williams New OrleansLiteraryFestival had reachedits end. That changed this year,withthe homageto“AStreetcar NamedDesire” movedupto March19toheraldthe festival’scomingevents.

TheTennessee Williams fest hits itsstridethisweek, with the literary festival running March21-26. There’sa largeslate of author panel discussions andinterviews, as well as parties, performances, walking toursand more.Therealso is the Saints andSinners Literary Festival, an LGTBQevent with overlapping venues that runs in conjunctionwith Tennessee WilliamsFest.Other peripheralevents, such as productionsofWilliams’ playsbylocal theatercompanies, coincide with the festival as well

TheSaintsand Sinnersfestis celebratingits 20th anniversary. Participatingwriters include Jewelle Gomez, De’Shawn Charles Winslow, Andrew Holleran,TimothySchaffert, Greg Herren,Leona Beasley, Felice Picano and more.Saintsand Sinners events run March24-26,manyof them at theHotel Monteleone

Performances of Williams’ work highlight“Pity forthe Wild,” an openingevent at Le PetitTheatre on Wednesday. It includesscenes from Williams’ “Summerand Smoke” and “The Two-CharacterPlay,”and BryanBattwill perform portions of hisautobiographicalone-man show, which reflects on theplaywright’s influenceonhim,“Dear Mr.Williams.” Batt also participates in a Williamstribute reading on Thursdayatthe NewOrleans Jazz Museum.Participantsinclude John Goodman; Louisiana poetlaureate Mona Lisa Savoy;David Kaplan, thefounder of Provincetown’s Tennessee Williamsfestival; Broadway actress Brenda Currin, whoplayedroles in numerous Williamsplays;and more.

Abig roster of visiting andlocal authors sharetheir insightsin panelsand workshops. Novelist MauriceCarlosRuffinwill talkabout writing about NewOrleans.Tom Piazzadiscusses historical fiction. Former Tulane historianDouglas Brinkley discusses hislatest book about theriseofenvironmentalisminthe 1960sand ’70s.Saloy, SunniPatterson and Karisma Price read and discuss theirpoetry.

Other participatingwriters include NathanielRich, Katy Simpson Smith, RichardCampanella,E.M. Tran and more.

Newtothe festival this year is TheLast Bohemia Fringe Festival,a slateoffringe-style alternativetheater piecesrunning at theAllWays Lounge&Theatre on March23-25 VinsantosDeFonte presents hissolo queer cabaretshow“Nightingale,” aboutastrugglingartistwithbig aspirations.San Francisco-based artist MoniqueJenkinsonpresents “Notes on Faux,” reflecting onher drag performance persona Fauxnique.Performanceartist JovelynRichards explores intimacy in theshow“It WasNever Just Sex.” LeftyLucy leadsavaudeville-inspiredshow, “BananasBurlesque (Or, AreStraightPeople Okay?).” Theliteraryfestival also has seminars on pitching bookideas, gettingpublished,screenwriting and podcasting.

TheNew Orleans Jazz Museum hosts musicalperformances with a bluesbent. Little Freddie King performsonTuesday.OnFriday, Marc Stoneand Bruce“Sunpie”Barnes perform and discuss theblues,and ChrisThomasKingdiscusses his research forthe book“TheBlues: TheAuthenticNarrativeofMy Musicand Culture.”The Drummer and Smoke series presents musicat thePalmCourt Jazz Café Theliteraryfestival nowcloses with acelebrationofnew voices, and established authors offertheir best advice.The Sunday afternoon eventatthe Monteleone also features astagedreading of the festival’s one-act playcontest Formoreinformation about TennesseeWilliams Fest, visit tennesseewilliams.net. Forinformation aboutSaints andSinners, go to sasfest.org.

BryanBattwillperformscenes fromhis‘DearMr.Williams’showat theTennesseeWilliamsfestival.

PROVIDEDPHOTO BY JOANNA DEGENERES

PREMIER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

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