LOVES A SPECIAL ISSUE OF THE INVADENOLA GUIDE TO NEW ORLEANS
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letter from the EDITOR
EMILY JENSEN Editor www.emjensen.com
When I first fell in love with New Orleans, it was, in the words of early-90s Mary Kate and Ashley flick It Takes Two, “that can’teat, can’t-sleep, reach-for-the-stars, overthe-fence, World Series kind of stuff.” The food, the music, the architecture, the parties, the people... when this city courts you, she does it big.
So how do I love thee, New Orleans? Let me count the ways. This issue is only the beginning of an endless list of reasons why my fellow Invaders and I adore our home, from bow tie shops to frozen fruit pops, dance rap to DIY printmaking. One of the most beautiful things about living here is the perpetual sense of evolution - with the energy of rebuilding and growing stronger constantly thrumming through the air, and new projects and businesses cropping up from the Riverbend to the Bywater, this is an incomparably exciting place to be. Go ahead now, dig in. Feel the love.
letter from the PUBLISHER For 8 months (Has it really been that long?) InvadeNOLA has tested the waters with our digital magazine. Along the way we’ve made a number of mistakes, but we’ve also had the opportunity to work with talented writers, photographers, and editors to create something that I am genuinely proud of. Justin Shiels Founder / Publisher www.InvadeNOLA.com
At our core, InvadeNOLA is about love and in our April/May issue we wanted to highlight 30 things we love about New Orleans. From bands like Big History and Jean-Eric! to non-profits like Hagar’s House and Social Entrepreneurs of New Orleans, we wanted to feature things that deserve more media exposure. Enjoy! And remember as you’re looking through this issue, click the links to learn more.
CONTRIUTORS Justin Shiels Founder / Publisher www.InvadeNOLA.com
EMILY JENSEN Editor www.emjensen.com
LIZZIE FORD-MADRID Photo Editor wwww.lizziefordmadrid.com
TYREE C. WORTHY Ad Sales www.twitter.com/itsMeTyree
Dominique ellis Ad Sales www.copythatservices.com
BROOKE LARSEN Contributor
COLLIN WADE Contributor www.NewOrleansPianoTeacher.com
DANIEL SHUKIS Contributor http://shukedaddy777.tumblr.com/
AMANDA LAPLACA Contributor
CHRIS HENSON Contributor http://www.examiner.com/ indie-movie-in-new-orleans/ chris-henson
Caroline Stivers Contributor
Image via: Jean-Eric!
MU
BY: COLL
USIC
L I N WA D E
Big History Electronic-pop driven by the sultry vocals, this six-piece band is catchy without being sweet. They are a melodyfocused band and employ everything from violins to synthesizers to support but never overwhelm the singing of front woman Meg Roussel, who surprisingly describes herself as a non-performer. Currently unsigned, this group offers their EP for download for free on their website. Take them up on that one.
http://bighistorymusic.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ BigHistoryMusic
Image via: Lizzie Ford-Madrid
The LiveSet One of the New Orleans startups to get excited about, LiveSet is a digital platform that presents live concert events in HD on the web with the goal of helping artists expand their audience while creating new revenue streams in the music industry. The idea is pretty simple: they use fancy equipment to lower the cost of producing high quality video, which they offer to viewers, sometimes for a small price, on their site. This enables a wider community to access their music without the need for backing by record labels and without having to give it away for free online. Make sure to keep an eye on this group because they are poised to be big – their work was featured in Spin Magazine.
www.liveset.com https://twitter.com/#!/liveset
Image via: Jean-Eric!
Jean-Eric! Sequins! Glitter! No pants! This group’s sound is infectious, pop-tastic, and bounce all at once, and you can hardly listen to their tracks without wanting to don some neon and dance. They’re like a NOLA’fied cross between Peaches and MIA that you can’t help but love. But be careful you don’t step on some 18 year-old’s Doc Martens (Oh wait, wrong kind of hipster…oops, no delete key. Oh well.) Comprised of Frank Jones (vocals), Karen Wallace (vocals), Sheila Santamaria (performance), Brad Davis (drums) & Revel
Griffith (bass) the group “lives together in a house that looks like a castle in Mid-City . . .with their cat, Mr. Crab� and deliver shows that dazzle even during Mardi Gras. And frankly, I need to break into their closet as soon as possible.
http://loungecrunk.com/ http://www.facebook.com/jeanericyall https://twitter.com/#!/jeanericyall http://jeaneric.tumblr.com/ http://www.youtube.com/user/JeanEricYall
Andrew Duhon Another New Orleans native, Andrew Duhon is a singersongwriter who loves his home and uses music as a vehicle for storytelling. Clearly one of those artists who cares for words as much as melodies, he publishes his lyrics on his website, just in case you couldn’t make them out when enjoying his performances at SXSW, Key West, or Carrollton Station. Inspired by the blues and folk revival artists such as Bob Dylan, his music offers a rich array of Americana using his clear, full voice (oftcompared to that of Amos Lee) and accompanying himself with acoustic guitar, slide guitar, and the occasional harmonica. He is currently touring, but you’ll be able to see him at French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest this year, or hear him via his two albums that are currently out – the debut “Songs I Wrote Before I Knew You” and his new EP with band Lonesome Crows “Dreaming Before You Leave.” Check him out soon, because this kid’s already on his way to big things.
www.andrewduhon.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Duhon https://twitter.com/#!/AndrewDuhon
Whitney Thomas (aka DJ Pr_ck) A New Orleans native, one half of duo 8188 (with Johnny Sanders aka “Five”), and founding member of the House of Templum, DJ Pr_ck keeps busy. He describes himself as an “ole skool DJ and nu skool producer” and adorably lists his daughter as one of his influences on Facebook. When he’s not producing, founding things, or being the world’s sweetest dad, he professes that he spends his time giving audiences “what they want and what they didn’t know they wanted” and incorporating Southern hip hop, Chicago Juke, and African psychedelic funk in a single set. You can catch him around town at places like Siberia, Dragon’s Den, Saturn Bar, the Saint, and the Hookah.
http://www.facebook.com/Pr.ckk http://soundcloud.com/pr_ck83
ART
B Y : a m anda
ART
anda laplaca
Image via: T-Lot
T-Lot Tucked right off of St. Claude, T-Lot feels like an exclusive, creative sanctuary, but it's quite the opposite. The long-unused lawn and surrounding structures now hold inclusive events such as flea markets, performances and movie screenings. Founded in July of 2010 as a studio space for newer local artists (including Stephen Kwok, Hannah Chalew, Natalie McLaurin, Angela Berry, Siobhan Feehan and Brett LaBauve), it's become a resource
1940 St. Claude Ave. http://www.facebook.com/TLot.studio http://t-lot.tumblr.com/
for the emerging art community and Marigny neighborhood. The space provides an opportunity for burgeoning creators to investigate and develop their artistic passions, promoting mutual growth through monthly group critiques for themselves and emerging artist peers. Although there are no shows coming up in the immediate future, be on the lookout for of T-Lot artists showing work all over town.
3 Ring Circus Just a block from St. Charles and a short haul from Lee Circle, 3 Ring Circus is a cultural incubator for New Orleans artists. 3 Ring hosts many disciplines under its 'tent', including music, film, theatre and performance. Take note of a new and featured event series in the Ring: Punk Rock Takeover Sunday Matinee. The weekly showcase of local bands aims to gather musicians and fans of many backgrounds, from young to old, indie to ska, all in support of local nonprofit organizations.
1638 Clio St. http://www.3rcp.com/ http://www.facebook.com/people/ BigTop-Ringmaster/
The Good Children Gallery If you do a background check on The Good Children Gallery, you’ll dig up some big names in the art world: Dan Tague, Generic Art Solutions, and Srdjan Loncar. This gallery is an artist-run space in the St. Claude Arts District that exhibits pieces local and global alike. My affinity for this space and its artists is due to their ability to expand and shake the way New Orleans experiences 'art'. The latest buzz in the Good Children schoolyard: a new opening & show (After Forever: April 14, 6 - 9 pm & up until May 6th) featuring work by Jessica Bizer, Amy Feldman and Ilse Murdock.
4037 St. Claude Ave. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Good-Children-Gallery/ http://goodchildrengallery.com/
Image via: Stephen Collier
The Community Printshop Down the long, flickering hallway of 831 Elysian Fields is the New Orleans Community Printshop. And with prints covering all four walls from floor to ceiling, it's no doubt that this collective is busy, versatile and passionate about printmaking. Founded in 2009 by a dedicated group of printmakers seeking to create a printmaking space that was both affordable and accessible, the dream the Printshop was built upon is slowly but surely coming true. Its members regularly host public, open shop days, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-10 pm and Sundays 1-5 pm. Thanks to their motivation, the collective is creating a thriving printmaking community in New Orleans.
831 Elysian Fields http://nolacommunityprintshop.wordpress.com/
Image via: Cynthia Scott
Cynthia Scott Cynthia Scott, a transplant New Orleanian sculptor, earned an MFA from Tulane University and stuck around to continue her journey into three-dimensions. Scott’s recent work includes whimsical plastic chandeliers (or as she titles them, “Chandeleurs”). Her current assemblage of bright plastic containers and linear metal objects emphasize her artistic play with salvaged and recycled materials. Re-contextualizing the easily obtainable object empower Scott and the viewer to regain a child-like eye toward the everyday world. Don't mistake the playful nature of the pieces for a lack of conceptual depth; the materials actually hint at her deeper intentions and exploration of sociopolitical issues.
http://cynthiascott2000.com/
Image via: Pizza Delicious
FOOD
B Y : daniel
OOD
daniel shu k is
Image via: Big Cheezy
Big Cheesy You can find this pop-up grilled cheese joint at special events, fundraisers, festivals, and even happy hours. Big Cheesy takes an unconventional approach to the lunchbox classic by offering creative combinations of cheeses and breads, from cheddar with sauteed jalapenos to havarti with bacon and pear. The menu includes many other palette-pleasing blends of fruit and gourmet cheeses, melted into crispy, gooey perfection on sourdough or multi-grain bread. Check their Twitter or Facebook pages to find out the next time they're setting up stand.
http://bigcheesynola.com
The Country Club This hidden gem in the Bywater is the perfect summer destination for delicious food, nightly drink specials, swimming, and‌ nudity. The Country Club is housed in a hulking, stately shotgun with an indoor bar and restaurant in the front and a private, pay to enter, clothing-optional pool area in the rear. The palm-surrounded pool space is fully equipped with a salt-water heatable and chill-able swimming pool, large chlorine hot tub, cabana bar, fish pond, and elegant changing areas worthy of a traditional country club. Like residents of its surrounding neighborhood, the half naked crowd at the Country Club is usually diverse, open, and respectful of boundaries. The dining room alone is worth a visit for non-swimmers, boasting seafood, sandwiches, pizza, and salads, as well as a spectacular weekend brunch with - and here’s the big sell - bottomless mimosas. This is New Orleans summertime leisure in its truest form - decadent, drunken, and in a state of undress.
634 Louisa St. http://thecountryclubneworleans.com
Chiba The newest addition to dining on Oak Street offers a sleek, modern interior reminiscent of an upscale joint in L.A. with a menu that gives Japanese cuisine a dose of New Orleans style. There are no Buddha statues, no crunchy rolls, and definitely no generic Americanized sushi here. Owner Kieth Dusko pays homage to the city with Bouillabaisse made with red miso shellfish broth, Black and Gold and Mardi Gras rolls topped with colorful tobiko, as well as the Crescent City Roll filled with crispy gulf oysters, lettuce, tomato, Japanese pickles, and wasabi aioli. Serving food until 1 AM and located a few doors down from the Maple Leaf, Chiba is the perfect post-party destination for late night eats.
8312 Oak St. www.chiba-nola.com
Image via: Chiba
Pizza Delicious Unsatisfied with New Orleans’ limited pizza options after moving from New York, Michael Friedman and Greg Augarten began playing with Italian recipes two years ago in a Bywater community kitchen space that would later spawn Pizza Delicious. Using homemade dough, sauce, and an NYC form, Mike and Greg offer their pies two days a week, with neighborhood bike delivery offered on Thursdays and take out on Sundays. The rotating menu stays "Italian-centric" and usually has two specialty pies per business day, with slices available at the window. After getting bum rushed as word spread about Pizza Delicious, the guys finally signed a lease to become a fully operating business at 617 Piety Street in the Bywater. Expect the new location to open sometime within the next three to five months. In the meantime, you'll have to limit your Pizza Delicious enjoyment to two days a week.
3334 N. Rampart St. & new location to open at 617 Piety. http://pizzadelicious.blogspot.com
Image via: Pizza Delicious
Pete's Pedal Pops Just in time for summer, keep an eye out for Pete's Pedal Pops to get fresh frozen fruit blends in traditional popsicle form. Founded three years ago by New Orleans EMS Peter Seltzer as a way to make something "fancier than a snowball," you can find the bike-pulled pop stand latenight on Frenchmen Street, at festivals, and private events. Pete's philosophy is to use local Louisiana fruits that are in tune with seasonal freshness, spawning tastebud-walloping concoctions like strawberry basil, pineapple cilantro, and chocolate sea salt. According to Pete, his mobile business is all about local food, local people, and community engagement.
www.petespedalpops.com
Image via: New Orleans Bow Ties
FASH
BY: BROOK
HION
KE LARSEN
Designer Social I am obsessed with fashion accessories. I own enough purses to use a different one each day of the month, so many shoes I often have to run to the bus (in heels!) because it took me so long to decide which pair to wear, and do not even get me started on headbands. Maybe I just administered a little hyperbole, but my obsession can be borderline problematic. Thankfully, outlets such as Designer Social exist to keep me sane. Their blog provides more than suitable eye candy to fight off those accessoryrelated cravings. However, if you're looking for the real thing you can buy the goods directly on their site. Designer Social doesn't just sell ordinary new and vintage accessories - it's all designer. From Christian Louboutin to Coach they have it, and they make it available so you can, too.
http://www.designersocial.com/
Pryzd Pryzd isn't just fashion - it's thought provoking. It is a line of street wear with many goals: to clothe New Orleans in apparel that caters to each individual, to promote collaboration rather than competition, and (most of all) to support truth. At Pryzd you can find men's graphic tees sporting the likes of Mike Tyson and JFK next to a blog post about new music or Trayvon Martin. Pryzd wants to open you up to new things. In this sense, it isn't just a line of men's clothing - it's a movement.
http://pryzd.com/
New Orleans Bow Ties Okay, time for real talk. I know I'm a girl (don't be fooled by the short hair), but I absolutely love bow ties. If I were a man I'd wear them every day. I'd even wear them to sleep. There is nothing dorky about them - bow ties are the height of men's fashion and I am jealous that I don't get to wear them. Benjamin Azevedo must feel the same way as I do, because he takes bow ties seriously. The founder of New Orleans Bow Ties, Azevedo is inspired by his city, and only uses the finest silks to craft these neck-dwelling works of art. Kudos Azevedo - you make me want to be a man. You can currently only find his bow ties at Vernon Clothing, but they will soon be available online.
Vernon Clothing, 2049 Magazine St. http://neworleansbowties.com/
Image via: http://michaelsiuphoto.com/
Alicia Zenobia A talented designer whose line caters to all kinds of weirdos ("Vampire Vagabonds," "Bisensual Electrofreaks," "Psycho-billies and boobies" - you know, the usual New Orleans crowd), Alicia Zenobia's work borders on the extreme. After all, how many designers can say they've designed a dress made entirely out of human hair? Whether you find the work of Zenobia to be exquisite or freakish (or both) you can't deny that the award-winning designer has a unique style that deserves recognition. Check out her Etsy shop to get some of these avant-garde pieces for yourself.
http://aliciazenobia.carbonmade.com/
Hattie Sparks Ladies of the world, rejoice! This new Uptown boutique sells clothing, gifts, art, and home decor that is beautiful, refined and geared towards women. The shop is named after the owner and curator Hattie Moll (who's surname I assumed to be Sparks for quite some time). You can shop online, but I highly suggest a visit to the charming boutique itself.
714 Adams St. https://www.facebook.com/hattiesparks
THEATRE
BY: CHRIS
EATRE/FILM
S HENSON
New Orleans Film Society Founded in 1989, the New Orleans Film Society is committed to bringing new and interesting films to the city, which despite its rise on the production side, has not always been considered a major outlet for film distribution and exhibition. But the hard-working folks at NOFS are seeking to change that – and so far, they have more than followed through. In addition to putting on the annual New Orleans Film Festival, which continues to grow and grow every year, NOFS joins forces with numerous local organizations to host countless screenings and functions year round, many of which are free. And if you want the all-inclusive experience, membership is inexpensive and comes with more than its fair share of perks - plus, you never know what celebrity you may run into at one of their events.
http://neworleansfilmsociety.org/
She is Alex. When asked to describe her character, Eritria Pitts jokes, ‘It’s Larry David... but with boobs.” Her new show is She is Alex., a web series about a woman going through a "pre-mid life" crisis, who quits her job to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian. And like a younger, hipper Curb Your Enthusiasm, the show will also deal with the daily minutiae of life and dysfunctional relationships. The show is set in New Orleans because, as Pitt says, “there's something very magical about New Orleans that isn't being shown. My New Orleans is filled with laughter and funny characters. And that's what I would like to show to the world.” In addition to Pitts, the show also features a 100% Louisiana cast and crew. You can catch the show online soon via the official site, Facebook, YouTube, and blip.tv.
http://sheisalex.com/
The Drink Show
“Welcome to The Drink Show, a drinking show with a culture problem.” So begins every episode of this delightful, informative, and well-made web series with a distinct New Orleans flair. Sophisticated without being snobby and funny without being silly, The Drink Show explores all things adult beverage-related – everything from what your drink choice says about you to proper glassware. Entertaining interactions with regular bar-goers and experts (both local and national) give the show a nice blend as they share tips, techniques, history, and personal stories, all related to their drink of choice. Though made up of brief webisodes, The Drink Show would be right at home on Food Network or Travel Channel.
Blog and episodes: http://thedrinkshow.tv/
One of the best (and most affordable) places to watch movies of all kinds in New Orleans is The Prytania Theatre. The last single screen theater, and one of the oldest of any kind still in operation (since 1915), The Prytania offers a wonderful mixture of nostalgia and modernity to the movie-going experience. You would think that with only one screen the theatre could only offer a limited selection – but not so. As many as three or four films can rotate throughout the daily schedule, ranging from big blockbusters to documentaries to little known indie flicks. Major highlights of the theater are the monthly Classic Movie (Sat, Sun, Wed at noon) and Midnite Movie (Fri and Sat night at midnight) series. Also, in conjunction with the New Orleans Film Society and other local organizations, the Prytania plays host to many special screenings and events throughout the year, including Film-O-Rama in the spring and the New Orleans Film Festival in the fall.
5339 Prytania St. http://www.theprytania.com/
Prytania Theatre
Joy Theater Originally constructed in 1947, the majestic Joy Theater was once an amazing modern film temple in the heart of downtown New Orleans. Unfortunately, like so many mid-century movie houses, the inundation of suburban multiplexes and home entertainment forced its doors closed in 2003, and just a few years later, Katrina emphatically knocked them down for good. But like the rest of the city, the Joy could not be kept down for long. After a $5 million dollar renovation, the Joy Theater re-opened late last year as a multi-purpose entertainment venue with immediate plans to host music concerts, stage productions, comedy shows, parties, and film screenings. For many, just seeing the iconic red-and-white Joy marquee glowing brightly over Canal Street is another shining example of New Orleans’ rebirth out of the floodwaters.
1200 Canal St. http://www.thejoytheater.com/
CULTURE NON-PRO BY: CAROLI
RE/SOCIAL/ PROFITS NE STIVERS
APEX APEX (Always Pursuing EXcellence) serves over 325 local youth (ages 5 – 25), providing them with social, cultural, and academic supports and outlets to guide them toward success. From hip-hop dance classes to tutoring, video games to counseling, APEX provides a stable and caring place for kids, teens, and young adults to find positive and enriching activities that promote their well-being.
4360 Washington Ave. http://www.apexyouthcenter.org/
Social Entrepreneurs of New Orleans Social Entrepreneurs of New Orleans (SENO) aims to encourage the development and sustainability of local burgeoning entrepreneurs wishing to make a positive, concrete impact on the New Orleans community. Through its annual PitchNOLA event, SENO encourages local entrepreneurial spirits to pitch their business ideas to an audience of hundreds for the chance to win startup capital and get valuable feedback. SENO’s other initiative, the Social Venture Accelerator, matches year-long fellows with seasoned mentors in order to help each fellow make his or her fledgling business or organization sustainable and impactful. Since 2011 alone, SENO’s Accelerator Fellows have generated combined revenues of over $2 million, created dozens of jobs, and addressed serious local issues including education, the environment, and food security.
643 Magazine St., Suite 102 http://www.seno-nola.org/
The Civic Center Perhaps you’ve walked by the giant chalkboard wall in the Marigny splashed with the words, “Before I die…” and dozens of responses chalked in by passers-by and wondered whose idea that was. Well, wonder no more: that and neighborland.com are the New Orleans-based brain children of Candy Chang, the whiz behind The Civic Center, a public art/urban planning initiative that seeks to encourage community development and change through creativity. Chang takes her skills all over the country, producing public art and publications from Brooklyn to Alaska that engage communities with their environment and neighbors. Go check out neighborland.com to get involved in your little corner of the woods or purchase one of Chang’s “Sexy Trees of the Marigny” posters! Who knew community involvement could be so hip?
http://civiccenter.cc/ http://neighborland.com
Plan B In a city that is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, Plan B provides the invaluable service of bike repair, education, and building for DIY’ers. Operating as a volunteer-based collective, Plan B provides the public with the space, tools, recycled parts, and expertise to fix your own bicycle – or, if you’re not a bike expert, to learn how to build and fix bikes. The DIY spirit keeps Plan B super affordable, with reduced prices for parts and $80 for a month-long crash course in building and fixing bikes. And, if you’re of the female persuasion, they even offer a Friday night “Ladies, Trans, & Sissies Only” Night where you can learn from other women away from the typical male-dominated mechanic atmosphere.
1024 Elysian Fields http://bikeproject.org/
Hagar’s House Hagar’s House is a transitional housing community for women, children, and transgendered individuals that provides a six-month holistic residential program based on self-empowerment and financial education for its residents. Participants have access to emotional and physical supports as they move through the process and are assisted in saving 70% of each paycheck during their stay, which makes for a cozy little nest egg when they’re ready to depart Hagar’s House.
http://www.hagarshousenola.org/
ADVERTISERS Constance http://weareconstance.org/ Copy That Services http://copythatservices.com/ HATTIE SPARKS http://www.hattiesparks.com/ launchpad http://launchpadnola.com/ Leah’s Pralines http://www.leahspralines.com/
Lizzie Ford- Madrid Photography http://weddings.lizziefordmadrid.com/ MICHAEL BARRERA http://www.amazon.com/SoShall-Pass-Michael-Barrera/ dp/146204266X/ref=sr_1_1?ie= UTF8&qid=1317596369&sr=8-1 Twisted Hair Salon http://www.twistedsalon.com/
To advertise in the FEB/MAR issue of “The InvadeNOLA Guide to New Orleans,“ contact ADVERTISE@invadenola.com for rates.
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