Gumbo (June 2015)

FREE

JUNE 2015

CLINT BLACK KILLIN’ TIME

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ONE-TANK SUMMER GETAWAYS

SUMMER CAMP HELPS YOUNG EXPLORE THE COAST

‘BUILT TO AMAZE’

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY’S LATEST SHOW WOWS

KREWE OF TERREANIANS FISHING RODEO ‘BLOODBORNE’ AMONG BEST FOR 2015

2 June 2015

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Contents

JUNE 2015

ON THE COVER

PUBLISHER

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Brian Rushing GENERAL MANAGER

Lacey LeBlanc EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Shell Armstrong

Cypress Bayou Goes Black

CONTRIBUTORS

Jean-Paul Arguello John DeSantis Melissa Duet Casey Gisclair Felicia LeDuff Harry CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Gavin Stevens GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Events

6 8 10 12 16 18 21

Music

Outdoors

22 24 26 28

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CYPRESS BAYOU GOES BLACK Up Close with Country Star Clint Black BATTLE OF THE GARAGE BANDS Rock Out at the Inaugural Event DAYLONG FEST OF CAJUN FUN Food, Music and Dance HOT TIX & CONCERTS Local Performers Highlighted

Arts ‘CATFISH CAPITOL OF THE WORLD’ Des Allemands Ready to Celebrate

‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’ Play benefits Le Petit Building Fund

YOUNGSTERS EXPLORE THE COAST in Terrebonne Summer Camp

LE PETIT & SAENGER NEW SEASONS New seasons announced

KREWE OF TERREANIANS Fishing Rodeo Brings Loads of Fun

Gumbo Guru

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CIRCUS ‘BUILT TO AMAZE’ Trapezist Soars with Ringling Bros.

EVENT LISTINGS Check Out This Month’s Events KID’S PAGE Fun Games for the Younger Set

30 32 34 36

SUMMER THEATRE WORKSHOPS Developing Young Actors THEATRE & DANCE LISTINGS Performances Around the Region AT THE LIBRARY More Than Books at Local Libraries BOOK REVIEWS Good Reads Coming in June

CIRCULATION

Brooke Adams SALES DIRECTOR

Deanne Ratliff SALES

Harold Cancienne Jamal Charles Elizabeth Porche

HONG KONG CHINESE Offers a Houma Treat

Did you Know?

GHEENS BON MANGÉ FESTIVAL Offers Good Eats, Good Times STEUBENVILLE ON THE BAYOU Youth Answer the Call

Mariella Brochard Danielle Evans

6160 W. Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 985.868.7515 • Fax 985.873.9009 WWW.HOUMATIMES.COM/GUMBO

Little Fellas There are miniature chameleons in Madagascar that are so tiny, they fit on the tip of a match.

The Gumbo Entertainment Guide is a free publication. The entire content of this publication is copyrighted by Rushing Media, with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. The Gumbo Entertainment Guide is published monthly by Rushing Media.

Events

‘CATFISH CAPITAL OF THE WORLD’ READY TO CELEBRATE to Hymel, but every year little changes are made, such as in decorations and color.

These pins have won awards from the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals more than once.

Even though this year’s festival will only be the second one Hymel has attended (he’s only been at St. Gertrude for two years), he said the festival is very popular.

any cities claim to be the “Catfi sh Capital of the World,” but only one, Des Allemands, can say it is the “Catfi sh Capital of the Universe,” made offi cial by a resolution of the Louisiana Legislature in 1980.

Every year since 1975, the annual Catfi sh Festival has provided food and fun, with special emphasis on fried catfi sh. This year’s festival will be held from June 19-21.

Friday hours are 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. until 11; and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. There is no price for admission or parking and pay-one-price deals are available for the rides.

The festival, which began as a fund-raiser for St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Des Allemands, is now one of the most popular in the state and attracts visitors from all parts of the country, according to the Rev. Ray Hymel, the current pastor of St. Gertrude and the president of the festival.

“We cook our own food, and there will be lots of fried catfi sh – served in platters with white beans and rice, in po-boys and broulettes.”

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The festival, which has won awards from the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals, is still the church’s major fundraiser, with proceeds going to support and maintain the parish’s facilities.

In addition to fried catfi sh, there will be other types of festival food, including other seafood dishes and the traditional hot dogs and hamburgers. Hymel also said there will be cold beer. Each day there will be live music, starting with Ryan Foret and the Foret Tradition on Friday and concluding with the Bucktown AllStars on Sunday.

The rides, according to Hymel, are the traditional midway types of rides. Festival- goers can choose to buy a one-day pay-one-price pass or one for all three days.

There will also be crafts booths, with hand made items and a country store where the festival T-shirts, caps and the signature and award-winning lapel pin, will be available. The design for the lapel pin, which is in the boot shape of the state of Louisiana, has basically remained the same since it was fi rst designed, according

This year, “Catfi sh Queen 40” will be crowned the week following the festival.

This is something new, said Tammy Prine, director of the pageant. By having the pageant a week after the festival, the newly crowned queen will have a year to travel the state, representing and promoting the festival. She will reign over next year’s festival before giving up her crown. The work of “Miss Catfi sh,” is almost like a job, Prine said, because the queen travels around the state to other festivals and competes in other pageants, including the “Queen of Queens” pageant sponsored by the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals.

The queen also gets to spend a week in Washington, D.C., leading up to the annual Krewe of Louisianians ball. The 2014 queen is Kristal Breaux. There is also a Louisiana Catfi sh Granny Queen, a teen queen and a junior queen. This year, a baby queen pageant and a Ms. Catfi sh queen have been added, so there will be fi ve catfi sh queens reigning over the catfi sh festival in the “Catfi sh Capital of the Universe.”

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Events

YOUNGSTERS EXPLORE THE COAST IN SUMMER CAMP

or two weeks during the summer, campers in the Wetlands Explorer Camp and the Working Coast Camp, sponsored by the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center in Houma, will travel by boat or bus to learn more about the environment of south Louisiana.

“It’s all hands-on stuff and a break from technology,” Jonathan Foret, director of the center, said. Every day there will be a fi eld trip, to places like an alligator farm, a shrimp processing plant or the Conoco Phillips headquarters. “It’s all educational, but also fun.”

Campers in the Wetlands Explorer Camp will learn about the causes of coastal erosion, while those in the Working Coast

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Camp will learn more about local economic drivers and life on the coast. Both camps are open to youth ages 9 to 12.

“I enjoy seeing the kids having an opportunity to explore their own environment, because they rarely get the opportunity to go outside and explore nature. One of the places we take them is the Mandalay Trail, where they learn how to identify plants, such as Poison Ivy, which can be important,” Foret said. He also said the participants really love the experience, learning about species like apple snails or being able to see and hold baby alligators.

Following the daily fi eld trips, campers will return to the Wetlands Discovery Center to engage in activities that build on

what they saw or learned that day. “The camps also give kids a chance to catch their breath from technology, not that technology is bad, but these camps allow them to explore other avenues.”

The fi rst camp session, the Wetlands Explorer Camp, will begin on June 8, followed by the Working Coast Camp on June 15. Each session is for fi ve days and the cost is $130 per week. The camp fee includes all fi eld trip costs, but campers will be required to bring a bag lunch and drink.

They will also need sunglasses, sunscreen and bug repellent. Campers will not be allowed to wear crocs or fl ip-fl ops.

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For more information, call 985-580-7289. Information and applications are also available online, from a link on the homepage of the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center.

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Events

GHEENS BON MANGÉ FESTIVAL OFFERS GOOD EATS, GOOD TIMES hose looking for good times, good music, and good eats should visit the Gheens Bon Mangé Festival.

At the center of the Gheens community soul is the Vacherie-Gheens Community Center, which hosts a multitude of events integral to the community’s social fabric.

Among the weddings, pageants and science fairs, this multipurpose structure and its surrounding grounds also host the annual Gheens Bon Mange Festival, which is set for June 5-7.

Originally called the Gheens Day Festival, this family-friendly event was started in the 1970s by members of local clubs who saw the need for a communal gathering place.

In 1973, the festival was moved from its original venue behind St. Anthony’s Catholic Church to the new community center.

With donated land from Nolan Falgout and a few years of dedication and hard work, the dream materialized.

The festival continues to serve as the center’s lifeblood with 100 percent of the proceeds spent toward upkeep of the facility, according to Hollie Lapeyrouse, vice president of the Gheens Community Center Board.

“Everything that we get from the festival goes back to the community [center], whether it’s new playground equipment or fi xing up the building for use,” she said.

“One-hundred percent of the proceeds all go back to our community.”

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Wanna Go? WHAT: Gheens Bon Mange Festival WHERE: Vacherie-Gheens Community Center WHEN: June 5-7 COST: Free entry, however, costs vary for food, rides and games INFO: 985-856-4615

10 June 2015

“Bon mangé” is French for “good eats,” so it is no surprise that the menu for this function is quite extensive and appetizing.

“The food. Defi nitely the food. We have chicken gumbo, seafood gumbo, grillades, catfi sh and white beans,” Lapeyrouse said. “We have chicken nuggets for the kids and French fries and hamburgers, rice dressing and chicken, there’s jambalaya.”

Beer and a special mixed drink is available for grownups. But food alone does not a fair make and the Gheens Bon Mange Festival is more than just copious amounts of delicious delectables. The event has grown immensely over the years and what started as a single-day food festival now spans across three fun-fi lled days.

The festivities commence on Friday, June 5, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Gates re-open from noon to 1 a.m. on

Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Carnival rides, games, auctions and various children’s activities are among the fest’s enticing features of the fest.

Musical acts include No Way Out, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday; The Gary T Band, noon to 3 p.m., “Ruff N Ready,” 4 to 8 p.m. and Junior and Sumtin’ Sneaky, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday. Pot 2 La takes the stage from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and one-man-band Tet Dur closes out festivities from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday. “[The festival] is a bunch of hometown people welcoming people into our community to have a good time and raise money for our community,” Lapeyrouse said.

“Basically, it’s our hometown and we welcome everybody in to listen to some music, eat some good Cajun food and have a good time.”

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Events

STEUBENVILLE ON THE BAYOU

weekend of praise and worship awaits nearly 3,000 youth and volunteers set to take over the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center June 26-28 for the 10th-annual Catholic outreach program, Steubenville on the Bayou.

Originating at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio in 1975 as a faith platform for area youth, the event has evolved into a 21-location experience designed to meet the spiritual needs of today’s teens.

Brought to south Louisiana by Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs, the three-day event incorporates worship music, youth ministry speakers, group sessions and the sacraments to engage students in 8th-12th grades in the words of the Gospel.

This year, the conference is also adding an extension program, Encounter Conference, for those who graduated high school in 2014 through age 25 in an eff ort to include those still speaking the spiritual guidance provided in the youth conference, conference director Shawn Lapeyrouse said. Encounter sessions will be held at the nearby Courtyard Marriott Hotel and will include discussions on faith in the workplace, sin and addiction. Encounter participants will also be invited to join youth participants for Holy Mass and Adoration.

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“What we found here and the reason we are doing it the same weekend is culturally, our young adults don’t always separate from their youth groups,” she explained. “They still go back to their churches looking for that place, that thing to belong to. That’s why we’re off ering this. It’s a chance for them to come with their group but at the same time hear talks and teaching on things that are relevant to where they are in life.”

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PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND AS PART OF A GROUP FOR THE YOUTH CONFERENCE AND MAY REGISTER FOR STEUBENVILLE AND ENCOUNTER AT STEUBENVILLECONFERENCES.COM. 12 June 2015

NOT-TO-MISS EVENTS AT STEUBENVILLE ON THE BAYOU CHRIS STEFANICK

Stefanick combines humor, music and personal stories to deliver Catholic principles to the next generation. In addition to serving as a youth ministry speaker, Stefanick has also authored several faith-driven books and confi rmation programs.

“I love the Catholic culture in South Louisiana and I’m really excited to be back,” Stefanick said of the event. “I see lives change there.”

The youth minister last appeared at Steubenville on the Bayou in 2010 as a speaker and will make his return as this year’s host.

“I have the benefi t of knowing Chris and knowing the reaction that the kids had in 2010 when he was a speaker,” Lapeyrouse said. “Now he’s going to be on the stage 50 percent more than he was last time, and I think it’s going to be a real high for our kids.”

MORE THAN SUNDAY

This four-piece worship rock band will take to the stage to keep crowds entertained throughout the weekend.

“They’re always a highlight because they’re local,” Lapeyrouse said.

“They play for Adore, a number of the retreats, they do a number of things in the parishes. Kids just always love having that familiarity as well as that ownership.”

SERVICE PROJECT

The activity encourages participants to collect unwanted shoes from their community as part of an initiative to spur entrepreneurship in third-world countries. At the conference, youth pair up the shoes and each pair is shipped to fundraising company, Funds2Orgs, which distributes the shoes globally for others to sell or repurpose and make into new shoes.

“They are providing not only business in those areas, but also jobs and how to stand on your own and create your own income,” Lapeyrouse explained. “The kids enjoy it. What I love about it too is that it gets the parishes involved ... It involves the whole community, not just the kids.”

BISHOP SHELTON FABRE AND BISHOP EMERITUS SAM JACOBS

Current Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux Bishop Shelton Fabre and Bishop Emeritus Sam Jacobs will both be present at the weekend event, a feature unique to the Bayou Region event. Jacobs will be present throughout the weekend to say Mass and lead adoration and Fabre will hear confession and celebrate the closing Mass.

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ONE-TANK GETAWAYS COURTESY

Open during the summer, Wake Side Marina and Cable Park offers a wakeboarding experience without a boat. The park is one of many hidden attractions in the summer months on Grand Isle.

GRAND ISLE GIVES LOADS OF SUMMER FUN ith a sparkling Gulf of Mexico beach that’s home to hundreds of species of fi sh, pale white sand and loads of sunshine (on most days), it’s pretty easy to mistake Grand Isle as a one-trick pony – a place that’s solely a beach and fi shing destination.

But those assumptions would be wrong.

The small island community off ers much more than that.

Residents of Grand Isle tout that the island has become a tourist destination – a place that men, women and children of all ages can enjoy because of its variety of activities. A look at some of Grand Isle’s destinations show that it is exactly that – a spot that all comers can enjoy.

Like water? Of course, the island has tons of that. Want to be a daredevil within the H2O?

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There’s an opportunity for that, as well.

At Wake Side Marina and Cable Park, adventure-goers are able to open-water wakeboard through the facility’s cable system, which mechanically creates forward motion while riders cruise through the water.

It’s just like being on a wakeboarding trip, except without the boat. It’s an experience that most remember for a while.

But if water isn’t your thing, then Grand Isle still can be a destination spot. The island is home to the famous Grand Isle State Park, which has fi shing piers, nature watching points and hiking trails.

Grand Isle also hosts a butterfl y dome that is the home of hundreds, if not thousands of colorful butterfl ies that can put a smile on the face of any nature lover’s face.

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To see Grand Isle’s attractions, visit: TOWNOFGRANDISLE.COM/ATTRACTIONS.

14 June 2015

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Events

CIRCUS ‘BUILT TO AMAZE’ 16 June 2015

Kaely Michels-Gualtieri’s career is “Built to Amaze!”

THE 25-YEAR-OLD WASHINGTON, D.C., NATIVE IS ELECTRA, THE SINGLE TRAPEZE ARTIST IN RINGLING BROTHERS AND BARNUM & BAILEY’S LATEST SHOW OF THE SAME NAME. Born with a daredevil spirit, Kaely never enjoyed sitting. She gravitated toward gymnastics, first taking lessons at the local YMCA and later at a gymnastics academy.

By high school, she was competing in the sport.

High school was a milestone for Kaely’s future. Her school would close for two weeks each February, during which time students were required to get a job or a two-week internship. After getting stuck running a copy machine during her junior year, Kaely was complaining to her mother that she didn’t want to do anything boring with her break.

Either joking or out of frustration, Kaely’s mom suggested she join the circus. The seed was planted.

With the approval of her publisher mom and NASA physicist dad, Kaely passed on Wellesley College, instead heading to Torino, Italy, where she enrolled in a circus arts school. In addition to learning the trapeze, Kaely is skilled at acrobatics, juggling, riding a unicycle and walking a tightrope.

After seven months in Italy, she went to Paris to attend the Academie Fratellini, a world-renowned professional circus school. Kaely was the first American student accepted into the program.

“I’ve been able to travel the world, learn classical languages and meet people from very different cultures,” she said. “I feel like I am winning. I’ve been given this gift and my mom made it all possible.”

And her career has allowed her to travel all over Europe. Kaely was in Montreal, Canada, about to embark on a tour to India when Ringling Brothers approached her to tryout for the circus.

“I’ve seen shows all over the world, and I really like this show,” the trapeze artist said. “Elektra brings the electricity to the show.”

Plus, the role is affording Kaely the opportunity to see America. “I’ve traveled abroad, but this is my first real chance to see this country,” she said.

Kaely’s dream job requires that she flip

and tumble 30 to 40 feet above the ground.

“There’s so much adrenaline pumping through your body,” she said.

While the trapeze requires physical strength and agility, Kaely said “a lot of it is mental – being smart and making good decisions in the air.”

She swings using a 30-pound trapeze, which allows more airtime but requires additional strength to keep it moving.

“It’s very different from competitive gymnastics,” Kaely explained. “There, you have a team and plenty of rules and you have to strictly follow those rules or you lose points. But the circus world awards you points for individuality. Here, you are encouraged to be unique.”

Kaely loves the attention her dream job attracts, but is a realist when it comes to career longevity.

“I have friends in their 40s who are still doing gymnastics,” she said. “It really depends on who you are and how you maintain your body. I expect to have a few more years on the trapeze.”

Afterward, she hopes to go to college, where she’ll probably pursue a degree in the medical field. Prior to going abroad to pursue a circus gig, Kaely was a trained EMT working on ambulances.

She continues to volunteer on ambulances in the various cities “Built to Amaze!” visits.

“Like I said, I have a hard time sitting still,” she said, laughing. “Besides, it’s one more opportunity to meet people in the community.”

Locals can meet Kaely and the entire “Built to Amaze!” cast at a free all access pre-show, which begins one hour prior to each show. The audience – young and old alike – is invited to come onstage, meet the performers and learn to juggle, hip dance or try on custom costumes.

The Ringling Brothers & Barnum Bailey’s “Built to Amaze!” runs June 11-14 at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. Tickets are $10 to $40, and are available at the civic center Box Office or through Ticketmaster.

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Events

Have an event scheduled for next month you’d like listed? Upcoming events in Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes are printed FREE. Send your information – who, what, when, where, cost and a daytime phone number – to EDITOR@RUSHING-MEDIA.COM. PELICAN RAMBLERS RV RALLY JUNE 7-11

KEMPER WILLIAMS PARK, 264 COTTEN ROAD, PATTERSON. 985-395-2298

WORKING COAST AND WETLANDS EXPLORER SUMMER CAMP JUNE 8-12 AND JUNE 15-19

Campers take field trips to wetlands venues and then return to the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum to discuss their experiences and participate in other fun activities. The Wetlands Explorer Camp (June 8-12) focuses on what makes our coast special and the Working Coast Camp (June 15-19) explores our natural resources.

8 a.m. to noon. Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum 7910 W. PARK AVE., HOUMA. TUITION IS $130 EACH WEEK. WWW.SLWDC.ORG OR 985-580-7289.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER SEWING CAMP JUNE 1-5

For ages 8-13; limit four children per camp. All sewing machines, equipment, fabric and notions are provided. 1-5 p.m.

1223 DELMAR ROAD, BAYOU VISTA. 985-518-1506.

FRANKLIN H. S. REUNION GOLF TOURNAMENT

TODD O’NEIL

JUNE 6

Doors open at 9 p.m.; show begins at 10 p.m.

8 a.m.

ROX AT CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO HOTEL, 832 MARTIN

ATCHAFALAYA GOLF COURSE AT IDLEWILD, PATTERSON.

LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON. 337-923-7284.

JUNE 6

985-395-4653.

BERWICK BREAKERS SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT JUNE 3-7

KEMPER WILLIAMS PARK, 264 COTTEN ROAD, PATTERSON. 985-395-2298 OR 985-518-6958.

SOCIAL FOR LEADERSHIP ST. MARY JUNE 4

6-8 p.m.

RINGLING BROTHERS PRESENTS BUILT TO AMAZE!

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO HOTEL, 832 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON. 985-384-3830 OR 337-828-4100,

JUNE 11-13

EXTENSION 370.

RHYTHMS ON THE RIVER JUNE 5

Don Rich performs a free concert. 6:30-9:30 p.m.

FRONT STREET BETWEEN EVERETT AND FRERET

HORSE SHOW

STREETS, HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MORGAN CITY.

JUNE 6 & 7

985-384-9291 OR 985-380-3693.

This Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey production is an extraordinarily engineered circus experience where children of all ages find out what it takes to build the greatest show on earth.

Tickets start at $15. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster retail outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

HOUMA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, 880 VERRET ST.,

9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Judged events take place in the morning. Speed events occur after noon. Free entry to all horse shows. No outside food or drinks allowed, concessions sold. All events are weather permitting.

Saturday night shows begin with judged events followed by speed events.

Saturday, 3 p.m.-until; Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

HOUMA. 985-873-6543, 985-860-8650 OR

BERWICK CIVIC COMPLEX, LA. HIGHWAY 182, BERWICK.

HOUMA AIRBASE ARENA, 221 MOFFET ROAD, HOUMA.

LAKE END PARK, LA. HIGHWAY 70, MORGAN CITY.

CKORNEGAY428@GMAIL.COM.

985-384-8858.

985-805-7932.

985-380-4623.

KREWE OF TERREANIANS ANNUAL FISHING RODEO JUNE 5-7

Midnight to noon

18 June 2015

SPACE WALK OF MORGAN CITY PRESENTS FAMILY FUN DAY JUNE 6

HOUMA-TERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER, 346 CIVIC CENTER BLVD., HOUMA. 985-850-4657.

WHEELIN’ EAGLES RV RALLY JUNE 12-13

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Events

Have an event scheduled for next month you’d like listed? Upcoming events in Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne parishes are printed FREE. Send your information – who, what, when, where, cost and a daytime phone number – to EDITOR@RUSHING-MEDIA.COM. THE CHILDREN’S THEATER OF MORGAN CITY ANNUAL SUMMER PRODUCTION JUNE 26-27

MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, 728 MYRTLE ST., MORGAN CITY. 985-380-4639 OR CTOFMC@YAHOO.COM.

STEUBENVILLE ON THE BAYOU CATHOLIC YOUTH CONFERENCE JUNE 26-28

Steubenville on the Bayou provides a setting for developing a deeper relationship with Jesus through a weekend conference centered on Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

NHPF BENEFIT (BHPA MEMORIAL) HORSESHOE PITCHING TOURNAMENT JUNE 13

KEMPER WILLIAMS PARK, 264 COTTEN ROAD, PATTERSON. 985-385-3858.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER ART CAMP 2015

Opening act begins at 5:30 p.m. Ruff-N-Ready performs free beginning at 7 p.m.

HOUMA-TERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER, 346 CIVIC CENTER

DOWNTOWN HOUMA COURTHOUSE SQUARE,

BLVD., HOUMA. 985-850-4657 OR 985-850-3171 OR VISIT

7856 W. MAIN ST., HOUMA.

WWW.STEUBENVILLEONTHEBAYOU.COM, FACEBOOK AT

Art classes are taught by TFAG members. Classes in watercolor, acrylic, pottery, collage and drawing will be taught. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/STEUBIEBAYOU, OR TWITTER AT WWW.TWITTER.COM/STEUBIEBAYOU.

JUNE 27

DOWNTOWN ART GALLERY 630, 630 BELANGER ST.,

KREWE OF HOUMAS INVITATIONAL SALTWATER FISHING RODEO

ATCHAFALAYA GOLF COURSE AT IDLEWILD, PATTERSON.

USSSA TRAVEL TEAM TOURNAMENTS MORGAN CITY. 985-985-6552 OR 384-8858.

HOUMA. 985-851-2198 OR WWW.TFAG.ORG.

9:30 a.m.

LOUISIANA GATORS RV RALLY

JUNE 26-28;

ATCHAFALAYA GOLF COURSE AT IDLEWILD, PATTERSON.

JUNE 19-20

985-395-4653.

LAKE END PARK, LA. HIGHWAY 70, MORGAN CITY.

Saturday weigh-in at Coco Marina in Cocodrie; Sunday weigh-in at Krewe of Houmas Den on Capital Boulevard in Houma.

985-380-4623.

CHARLIE PITRE AT 985-226-8788.

20 June 2015

JUNE 26

JUNE 15-19 AND JUNE 22-26

ADAM GROS GROUP GOLF TOURNAMENT JUNE 13

DOWNTOWN LIVE AFTER 5

CENTRAL CATHOLIC GOLF TOURNAMENT 8 a.m.

985-395-4653.

JUNE 27-28

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BAYOU VISTA COMMUNITY CENTER, 1333 BELLEVIEW ST.,

Kid’s Page Maze Craze

Sponsored by

Word Find

Find your way through the maze!

BURNING CLOUDS COVER DANGER

Find the hidden words in the puzzle.

HEAT LOTION PROTECT RAYS

SHADE SKIN SPF SUNLIGHT

FINISH START

People Facts: In England, the police are sometimes referred to as this after Sir Robert Peel, founder of the British Police Force.

Answer: Bobbies

Tic Tac Toe

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21

Music

Cypress Bayou goes

B L A C K 22 June 2015

‘KILLIN’ TIME’ WITH CLINT BLACK

Clint Black is a content guy. And funny, too.

The New Jersey-born country singer/songwriter has more than 100 songs in his catalogue – all tunes he penned himself – 10 studio albums, nearly two dozen No. 1 hit singles and 31 Top 10 hits. Plus he’s sold more than 20 million albums worldwide.

The country crooner is in talks with a new label, and hard at work in his home-studio, located feet from the Nashville home he shares with wife Lisa Hartman Black. The new album, Black’s fi rst new release in 10 years, has been a “gargantuan eff ort.”

“It is probably going to sound diff erent from the stuff I’ve done in the past,” Black told Gumbo in a telephone interview.

For starters, he said his guitar chops continue to get sharper and his writing more meaningful. Black’s studio work is also more profi cient.

“I’ve been working on music off and on for awhile,” he said. “I’ve had the opportunity to do various things over the years – TV, movies and reality shows – all the while, moving the music along.”

What Black loyalists can expect is his trademark independent-mindedness.

“I make my music. I don’t make someone else’s music and I can’t make someone else’s records,” he said emphatically.

Black imagines if RCA had known he intended

Wanna Go? WHAT: Clint Black WHEN: June 13, 8 p.m.

WHERE: Cypress Bayou Casino, Charenton COST: $35 INFO: Ticketmaster.com

to write all of his own stuff it would have been tougher to get a record deal when he was pitching “Killing Time” in 1989.

“They would have never signed me,” Black said. “My premise was, ‘OK, I wrote that fi rst album, I think I qualify for the job now.’ Now, I’m probably more of a songwriter/musician than I was then. I only played guitar so I could sing.”

Today’s country scene is far diff erent from the one that saw Black, Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson rise to the top.

“I am a believer that every artist makes their own choices,” Black said. “I don’t criticize anyone. My goal was to stay true to myself.”

As he did with past hits, Black is pouring himself into the work.

“I’m playing more guitar – the slide guitar for the fi rst time ever – and even the slide dobro,” he said. “I’m doing things I wouldn’t have ever dreamed of before. I’ve grown tremendously as a player and a songwriter.”

As for the future beyond music, Black said he’d love to pursue a comedy TV show.

“I really do love comedy,” he said. “I’d love to do some good comedy; something that’s ridiculous and absurd.”

In the meantime, fans can follow his lighter side at #ClintsGotJokes. See for yourself, he is a funny guy.

•

Hartist.

ere are a few facts you may not have known about the country

Clint met Lisa Hartman Black when she went backstage after a 1990 New Year’s Eve concert in Houston to meet Clint. “I didn’t know who she was, but when I saw her standing there with those beautiful blue eyes, I knew I wanted to see her again,” the singer/songwriter told People Magazine.

The two wed a year later in Katy, Texas. The couple has one daughter, Lily Pearl Black.

Clint serves as honorary chair for the International Rett Syndrome Foundation’s “Research to Reality: Funding Progress” campaign.

With the help of Scott Hamilton, fellow “Celebrity Apprentice” cast mate and Olympic Gold medalist, Clint has raised more than $1 million toward finding a cure for the developmental disorder.

“We’re in the quantum leap stage,” the singer said of the disorder that claimed the life of his niece. Researchers are close to beginning human trials to reverse or lessen Rhett Syndrome.

Clint’s big movie break came with in the movie “Maverick,” which starred Mel Gibson and Jody Foster.

Clint had jobs in construction, as a bait cutter and fishing guide, newspaper salesman and ironworker before the music gig took off.

Clint was a regular on harmonica in Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band’s 2000 summer tour.

His Billboard No. 1 hits are: “Better Man” (1989); “Killin’ Time” (1989); “Nobody’s Home” (1989); “Walkin’ Away” (1990); “Loving Blind” (1991); “Where Are You Now” (1991); “When My Ship Comes In” (1993); “A Good Run of Bad Luck” (1994); “Summer’s Comin’” (1995); “Like the Rain” (1996); and “Nothin’ But the Taillights” (1998)

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23

Music

ROCK OUT AT INAUGURAL BATTLE OF THE GARAGE BANDS PROCEEDS GO TO VOICE OF THE WETLANDS

ocal bands looking for a big break, it’s time to grab the songbook and guitar pick for the Battle of the Garage Bands benefi ting wetland advocacy group Voice of the Wetlands.

The sing-off on June 20 at Mike Bruno’s Bayou Country Harley-Davidson in Houma will feature 10 local bands competing for a recording contract with local musician Nicki Rhodes, a photo shoot and a secret prize custom-made for the winning ensemble.

Rhodes has more than 30 years performing experience. He is optimistic the event will grow to include more than 10 bands in the near future.

L

Wanna Go? WHAT: Inaugural Battle of the Garage Bands WHEN: June 20, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

WHERE: Mike Bruno’s Bayou Country Harley-Davidson, 1740 Martin Luther King Blvd., Houma INFO: 985-772-6240 or WWW.BAYOUCOUNTRYHARLEY.COM

24 June 2015

“We sat down in a meeting and said, ‘There’s nobody out here promoting garage bands,’” said “Captain” Wayne Savoie, one of the event organizers. “Everybody is a garage band. Bon Jovi said it the best: ‘We’re just a garage band that somebody gave a $1 million stage to play on.”

Well, giving local bands a stage, albeit one costing far less than $1 million, while raising money to promote wetland restoration, is the tune to which local organizers are playing.

But there is one rule: bands must play four original songs. If they have time during their sets afterward, groups can play cover songs, Savoie said.

Bands will compete in two categories, country and rock, with a set of grand prizes off ered to winners in both categories.

Bruno’s Bayou Country Harley Davidson is hosting the competition.

All proceeds go to the Voice of the Wetlands.

Voice of the Wetlands was started in 2004 by local bluesman Tab Benoit as a volunteer-based non-profi t organization focused on driving awareness about south Louisiana’s loss of wetlands.

The all-day Saturday event kicks off with a guided two-hour motorcycle/classic car/jeep tour down Bayou Terrebonne through Chauvin, Bayou Dulac and Cocodrie at 9 a.m. for $15 per person. Vehicles are not provided, but those with wheels can join in on a tour of some of the communities most aff ected by wetland loss.

“We want everybody to experience what is happening to the wetlands,” said Kim Rodrigue, marketing manager for Mike Bruno’s Harley Davidson.

The fi rst band to battle for stardom will take the stage upon the riders’ return at around 11 a.m. Each band will have a half-hour to play their songs for judges.

There will be prizes for audiophiles as well. There will be a drawing for 10 people to compete in a cornhole tournament. The winner gets a $500 shopping spree to Mike Bruno’s Harley Davidson.

Those who want to compete in the tournament can register through June 18 at Mike Bruno’s Harley Davidson. The competitors will be selected on June 19.

There will be free food and drinks inside the store while it lasts. Also, in the parking lot, food and beer will be sold.

From 6 to 9 p.m. June 19 – the Friday before the battle royale – an Opening Party will be held. Voodoo Bayou Band will perform, and food, beverages and door prizes will be available.

A $100 gift card to the store will be raffl ed.

Bands can register to compete for $100. The last day to register is June 17. Bands must register at Mike Bruno’s Harley Davidson.

So far, the bands competing are: FFU, Fallen, Two Shots Till Sunday, Nonc Nu and the Matu’s, Jerika Cheramie and her band (they are still trying to fi gure out their name), Tugboat Tony and the Pushers and Daballah.

“These artists – and I’m going to call them artists – they don’t have a lot of places to showcase their music,” Rhodes said. “And we’re hoping that this could get bigger and bigger and bigger.”

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25

Music

DAYLONG FEST OF CAJUN FOOD, MUSIC AND DANCE

full day of music, food and dance with a purpose awaits visitors to the Evergreen Cajun Center on the fi rst weekend of June.

The Cajun French Music Association of Bayou Cajuns Festival starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 6, and promises two accomplished Cajun bands.

The festival runs until 5 p.m. and includes a fundraising auction and 50/50 lottery with proceeds going to the association, which promotes the continued presence of Cajun music and culture in the Bayou Region.

“It is important to keep our music alive, our language, our French heritage and our culture,” the association’s president Margaret Hebert said. “We are losing it in this area. Most of our schools don’t even have French classes anymore.”

A

Wanna Go? WHAT: Cajun French Music Association Bayou Cajuns Festival WHERE: Evergreen Cajun Center, 4694 W. Main St., Houma WHEN: June 6, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

26 June 2015

For further information, call 985-851-1867 or visit the association’s Web site,

WWW.CAJUNFRENCHMUSIC.ORG/CHAPTER_HOUMA.HTML.

A key signature of local Cajun culture is music. Rachel Wilson with the Cajun Express Band starts the music off at 10 a.m.; from 1 to 5 p.m., the local band Cajun Sunrise takes over the stage.

And if you feel the urge to dance to their music but think you don’t know how, Hebert said, lessons are available.

“If someone wants to learn how to dance they can learn the Cajun jig, the Cajun waltz and the two-step,” Hebert said.

Admission is $8 per person and $15 for a couple. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge.

“We will also have out foods, diff erent gumbos, along with soft drinks and beer,” Hebert said.

The association is part of a regional network that has 10 chapters, with clubs not only in Louisiana but also in Chicago.

A board of directors from various localities meets once per month to develop ways of better keeping the culture alive, Hebert said. And a national convention held in Lafayette each year promotes the culture through events like a French language contest for children.

Hebert said that in her experience young children are especially appreciative of the good time that can be passed at club events. And for those with Cajun roots or who wish they had them, a family-friendly event like this month’s festival can go a long way toward promoting love and respect for the culture.

“I didn’t bring my children up with a Cajun heritage but I am trying to get the language back,” Hebert said. “People come from out of state, even out of the country and they love learning about our Cajun heritage.”

Hebert, a bookkeeper at the Thoma-Sea shipyard, said the networking opportunities are also numerous because members of the various chapters attend each other’s events.

Cajuns are – for the most part – descendants of French-Acadian settlers who were exiled from what became the British colony of Nova Scotia back in the 18th Century.

Settling in various places, but concentrated in Louisiana, they managed to keep their language and developed unique music while keeping their families fed through fi shing, hunting and farming.

The French language was repressed decades ago by public school educators who punished children for speaking it.

But a strong movement has emerged that treasures the language and seeks to preserve it.

“I try to speak and my husband laughs at me because I will speak half a sentence in French and then revert to English,” Hebert said.

Festivals like this one, she said, help her stay closer to cultural roots she and other members are eager to share.

“We are doing out best to keep it alive,” Hebert said.

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27

Music

Concert listings are provided FREE monthly to Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne venues.

Send your monthly calendar – the band name and date they’re appearing – address and contact phone number to EDITOR@RUSHING-MEDIA.COM.

HOT TIX TICKETMASTER:

(868) 448-7849 or www.ticketmaster.com TICKETWEB:

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY: LEGENDS – June 18-21, Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, various times, $11.25-$18.75

KEITH SWEAT, KELLY PRICE, DOUG E. FRESH & MORE – June 19, River Center Arena,

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/BOBCAT’S

HIGH ROLLERS CASINO

Cory Landry (June 5); Reuben Rivera (June 10, 20); Kip Sonnier (June 12, 27); King of Clubs (June 3, 6,13, 17, 27); Three37 (June 20, 26, 27); Sean Trcalek (June 6, 13)

Revive, (June 10); The Boys (June 3); Gary T (June 17); Highway 315 (June 24) 9730 E. MAIN ST., HOUMA; 985-872-5659

822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON;

JESTER’S WALK

Baton Rouge, 7:30 p.m., $40-$70

800-284-4386

(800) 745-3000 or www.livenation.com (Ticket prices include handling fees.)

JODECI – June 20, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $45-$130

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/MR. LESTER’S STEAKHOUSE

Gilligan and the Gang (June 4); Leon Barrilleaux (June 11); Gary T (June 18); Seabrook (June 25)

UFC FIGHT NIGHT – June 6, Smoothie King

MOVE LIVE ON TOUR STARRING JULIANNE & DEREK HOUGH – June 21, Saenger Theatre,

(866) 468-7630 or www.ticketweb.com LIVE NATION:

Center, New Orleans, 6 p.m., $50-$175

WWE RAW – June 8, Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, 6:30 p.m., $20-$100

WWE SMACKDOWN – June 9, Cajundome,

Josh Malagarie (Thursday evenings, also June 5, 6); Steve Smith (June 12, 13); Jean Paul Daine (June 19, 20, 26, 27)

THE JOLLY INN

New Orleans, 3 p.m., $45-$95

822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON;

1507 BARROW ST., HOUMA; 985-872-6114

CONCERTS

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/LOCO

Couche Couche (June 12, 19, 26); Various Cajun bands (Sundays)

800-284-4386

Lafayette, 7 p.m., $15-$100

BAYOU DELIGHT

Reuben Rivera (June 4, 11, 25); Kip Sonnier (June 18)

MORRISSEY – June 11, Saenger Theatre, New

Mr. Gene (June 5, 6, 26, 27); Mr. Larry (June 12, 13); Mr. Hue (June 19, 20)

800-284-4386

Orleans, 8 p.m., $39.50-$89.50

5375 LA. HIGHWAY 308, MATHEWS; 985-532-5161

822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON;

4038 BAYOU BLACK DRIVE, HOUMA; 985-876-4879

BAYOU TERREBONNE WATERLIFE MUSEUM Cajun Music (Every Tuesday) 7910 PARK AVE., HOUMA; 985-876-4879

LA CASA DEL SOL

BOOMTOWN CASINO/BOOMERS Supercharger (June 5); Foret Tradition (June 6); Captain Charles DJ (June 7, 14, 21); Reverse Easy Rider Comedy Tour (June 11); Junior & Sumtin’ Sneaky (June 12, 26); John Pierre & Expressions (June 13); Karma (June 19); Joey Thomas Band (June 20); Vietnamese Karaoke (June 25); Aaron Foret (June 27); Papa Smurf (June 28) 4132 PETERS ROAD, HARVEY; 504-366-7711

CHEECH & CHONG – June 12, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $39.50-$99.50

DEE STANLEY CAMPAIGN CRAWFISH BOIL AND ATCHAFALAYA REUNION SHOW June 12, Cajundome Convention Center, Lafayette, 6 p.m., $75

PRIDE AFTER HOURS – June 13, River Center Arena, Baton Rouge, 8 p.m., $9 TRUTV IMPRACTICAL JOKERS ‘WHERE’S LARRY’ TOUR STARRING THE TENDERLOINS – June 13, Saenger Theatre, New Orleans, 7:30 p.m., $33.50-$104

28 June 2015

BRICKHOUSE We Came To Party Showcase (June 5); Free Candy (June 6); The Beautiful Hips (June 12); Ivory Sons, Za Bra, Paper and Radio (June 13); New Rebel Family (June 20) 7934 W. MAIN ST., HOUMA; 985-879-2453

CAJUN COUNTRY EVENT CENTER The Full Moons Band (June 7); Hurricane Levee Band (June 14); Treater (June 21); Night Train Band (June 28) 2639 LA. HIGHWAY 182, RACELAND; 985-537-2218

Absinthe Minded (June 5); Josh Garrett (June 12); Waylon Thibodeaux (June 19); Sid n Johny (June 26) 141 WESTOVER DRIVE, THIBODAUX; 985-446-2576

PIAZZA BAR/PEPPERS CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/PAVILLION Summer Soul Music Fest (June 21); Kathy Griffin (June 27) 822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON; 800-284-4386

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/ROX

Kerry Thibodaux (June 4); Southern Cross (June 5); Bandit (June 6); Steve Junot (June 11); Reaux Shambo (June 12); Drunk Punch Ponies (June 13); Pulp Friction (June 19); Back Roots (June 20); Steve Junot (June 25); Shot Time (June 26); Flesh Carnival (June 27) 541 CORPORATE DRIVE, HOUMA; 985-872-0006

Bobby Novosad & Club 9-4 –5 spinning dance music (Saturdays); Todd O’Neill (June 6); Jayrd Lane (June 13); Chee Weez (June 27)

SILVERADO CLUB (THIBODAUX)

822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON;

847 BRULE GUILLOT ROAD, THIBODAUX; 985-446-8289

Highway 315 (June 6, 16); Pot 2 La (June 20, 30); Tet Dur (June 9, 23, 13); Gary T (June 2, 27)

800-284-4386

DOWNTOWN LIVE Ruff-n-Ready (June 26) DOWNTOWN HOUMA COURTHOUSE

SPAHR’S LOUNGE/RAMADA INN Tet Dur (June 3, 10, 17, 24); Pot 2 La (June 4, 18); DJ Sugarstick June 6, 20, 27); Kenny L (June 11, 25) 1400 W. TUNNEL BLVD., HOUMA; 985-873-8740

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29

Arts

Summer workshops develop young actors

or children eager to test out their acting, singing or dancing skills this summer, local theatres are set to host monthlong camps that teach participants what it takes to produce a professional theatrical production.

In Lafourche Parish, area children will take to the stage in a production of “Shrek the Musical Jr.” through the BayouKidz! program, established at the Lockport-based Bayou Playhouse to provide instruction in storytelling, design and more to those ages 7-18.

During the camp, approximately 30 children will learn the fundamentals of dance and stage movement, music theory and performance techniques, as well as stage direction and production. Children will also participate in behind-the-scenes work in what Bayou Playhouse Managing Director Cindy Griffi n called a “well-rounded summer camp experience.”

“They learn the whole theatrical process from auditions to choreography to vocals and blocking, how to build costumes and

F

30 June 2015

set design, stage lingo and behavior,” Griffi n explained. “We do headshots and bios that end up being in the program. It really does capture the process that professional actors would have to go through.”

Hannah Arceneaux, a seasoned local musician, will provide professional vocal training, while Celeste Bourg, owner of The Dance Co. in Lockport, will provide choreography for the production. Playhouse staff members Camille Griffi n, who has appeared in several of the theatre’s productions, will serve as production manager, while Sara Goodrum will serve as stage manager.

The camp will conclude with fi ve performances of the pint-sized version of the Dreamworks hit fi lm that follows the ogre Shrek on a quest to save his beloved swamp from being taken over by the evil Lord Farquaad.

As parents settle in to enjoy the performances each year, Griffi n said some are stunned by their child’s natural talent. In addition to the performance tools picked

up during the program, students also develop self-confidence, a skill essential both onstage and in the real world.

“We even have the shyest of kids that come in and say, ‘I’ll do the camp but I don’t want a speaking part.’ By the end of the camp, they’re running across the stage singing, dancing, belting out songs. ... It really brings out confidence in the kids. One year, [one participant] came and her mom was like, ‘Oh, as long as she gets to be on stage.’ She ended up getting the lead role.

Her voice was absolutely gorgeous and she was just such a natural talent. Her mom didn’t even believe she got the part. It really, truly brings out these hidden talents and confidence that the parents may not have even known they had.”

Performances of “Shrek the Musical Jr.” will be held June 25-26 at 7 p.m., June 27 at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and June 28 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for children 5 and older. Those 5 and younger are free. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-888-992-2968.

For children in St. Mary Parish, The Children’s Theatre of Morgan City will host its yearly summer camp culminating with performances of “Surf’s Up,” the story of a beach hangout owner who fights to save his establishment from being stolen by land developers eager to establish commercial property on the prime location.

Under the direction of Franklin High School drama teacher Mark Lunsford, children ages 7-18 learn skills essential to being on stage as well as how to utilize lighting and sound equipment at Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. Through games and hands-on activities, children also learn to trust everyone in the theatre and how to become comfortable on the stage, president of the Children’s Theatre of Morgan City Kellye Patterson said.

“Don’t feel like because you are shy, you can’t do it,” she explained. “If you are shy or don’t have a lot of skills or knowledge about the theatre, it’s still a wonderful experience and you can learn so much from it. I’ve seen kids blossom in so many different areas of their lives after they’ve

done this. ... The kids just come out of their shell and they’re so comfortable.”

Children will hone their skills for the production, inspired by the music of Beach Boys, for three hours five days a week throughout June and performances will be held June 26 at 7 p.m. and June 27 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5 and may be purchased by calling 985-380-4639.

The Thibodaux Playhouse will also educate children ages 7-16 on the skills necessary to create a professional stage production through the Junior Theater Camp to be held June 1-23 with performances of “The Little Mermaid Jr.” June 23-28 closing out the camp.

Cast members will take audiences on a journey under the sea where Ariel longs to leave her home and live above water. She must defy her father King Triton and make a deal with an evil sea witch, all while convincing the charming Prince Eric that she’s the girl he’s been searching for.

Tickets will be sold at thibodauxplayhouse.com and performances will be held at the Jean Lafitte Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center Theatre in Thibodaux.

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31

Arts THE SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF INTELLIGENT LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE JUNE 4-7, 11, 14, & 18-21

Just when you thought life couldn’t get any wilder, multiple Big Easy award-winner, Yvette Hargis takes the stage in this Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner comedic one-woman throw-down featuring 12 characters from an adolescent punk rocker to middle-aged farm wife – and Yvette plays ’em all, out there “on the high-wire” without a net!

Written in “the last century,” Yvette brings these crazy characters, kicking and screaming into 2015!!

MID CITY THEATRE, 3540 TOULOUSE ST., NEW ORLEANS. MIDCITYTHEATRE.WORDPRESS.COM. 504-488-1460. ($25)

SILVERBACKS TO TEACH IMPROV COMEDY CLASSES The Silverbacks Improv Theatre will teach improv comedy courses.

THEATER MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG THROUGH JUNE 6

This classic Stephen Sondheim and George Furth musical traces the lives of wealthy, jaded composer Franklin Shepard and his two estranged friends through each milestone of their lives. Their journey crackles with wit and humor and includes one of the greatest musical scores in American theatre.

LE PETIT THEATRE DU VIEUX CARRE, 616 SAINT PETER ST., NEW ORLEANS. LEPETITTHEATRE.COM. 504-522-2081. ($35-$50)

THE RAINMAKER THROUGH JUNE 7

This classic romantic comedy, directed by Dianne Moss, is a story about family, survival, faith and hope. It is set against the backdrop of the paralyzing drought that ravaged the mid-west during the dust bowl days. On her family’s drought-ridden ranch, the daughter of the family, Lizzie, has hopes and dreams that have begun to run as dry as the barren fields surrounding her home. Her father and brothers have tried every possible scheme to marry her off, but without success. Suddenly, from out of nowhere, appears a picturesque, smooth-talking character with the most grandiose notions a man can imagine. And he promises to bring rain.

Lizzie must decide: Is he a con man, or does he hold the key to everything she desires?

IBERIA PERFORMING ARTS LEAGUE, 126 IBERIA ST., NEW IBERIA. IPALTHEATER.COM. 337-364-6114. ($10)

32 June 2015

THE MIRACLE WORKER THROUGH JUNE 7

The inspiring story of Helen Keller, blind and deaf, and her teacher Anne Sullivan, helping her to communicate with the world, this play will surely please audiences from generation to generation. Based on the autobiography of Helen Keller, The Story of My Life.

THE MUSIC MAN JUNE 5-21

BAYOUPLAYHOUSE.COM. 1-888-99-BAYOU. ($25)

With his fast-talking style, “Professor” Harold Hill convinces the parents of River City to buy instruments and uniforms for their youngsters in order to save them. Chaos ensues as Hill’s credentials are questioned and he is called upon to prove himself to the citizens of River City.

DEBAUCHERY

BLVD., BATON ROUGE. THEATREBR.ORG. 225-924-6496.

BAYOU PLAYHOUSE, 101 MAIN STREET, LOCKPORT.

JUNE 3

New Orleans’ only live soap opera, celebrating big number 4!! Produced by Southern Rep and hosted by Mid City Theatre, follow the adventures of this uptown family with the downtown mom that all started at Le Chat Noir.

MID CITY THEATRE, 3540 TOULOUSE ST., NEW ORLEANS. MIDCITYTHEATRE.WORDPRESS.COM. 504-488-1460. ($10)

DETROIT

JUNE 3-21

In a first-ring suburb just outside of a city that might be Detroit, Ben and Mary see sudden signs of life at the deserted house next door and invite their new neighbors, Sharon and Kenny, over for a barbecue. As the action unfolds we learn that Sharon and Kenny met at rehab, neither is employed, and they don’t own a stick of furniture. A quintessentially American backyard party quickly becomes something funnier — and more dangerous, too.

THEATER BATON ROUGE MAIN STAGE, 7155 FLORIDA ($28)

DAMN YANKEES JUNE 18-21

Damn Yankees is a musical comedy with a book

by George Abbott and Douglass Wallop and music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross.

The story is a modern retelling of the Faust legend set during the 1950s in Washington, D.C., during a time when the New York Yankees dominated Major League Baseball. The musical is based on Wallop’s novel, “The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant.”

IMPROV 1 – A Silverbacks Improv Class in Collaboration with Theatre 810 (Teacher: Sarah Mikayla Brown); June 6, 13, 20, and 27; 10 a.m.

– 12 p.m. Ages 16 and older. Register by calling the theatre at (337) 484-0172 or at: IMPROVLEVEL1.EVENTBRITE.COM/.

IMPROV 2 – A Silverbacks Improv class in Collab-

oration with Theatre 810 (Teacher Steve Benelli); June 6, 13, 20, and 27; 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Ages 16 and older. Register by calling the theatre at (337) 484-0172 or at: IMPROVLEVEL2.EVENTBRITE.COM/.

Improv 1 is an entry-level course that will be equally relevant to those who are interested in performing improv, and those who are simply looking to think outside the box and have some fun. Teacher Sarah Mikayla Brown will teach improv fundamentals in a laid-back environment.

Improv comedy is a great way to exercise the brain and to learn effective brain storming and communication skills. Improv 2 is intended for those who have taken an introductory lesson in improv in the past, or who have had equivalent experience. This class will focus on teaching students how to build characters and to begin on the skills needed to create improvised scenes.

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TULANE SUMMER LYRIC THEATRE, 6823 ST CHARLES AVE., NEW ORLEANS. SUMMERLYRIC.TULANE.EDU. 504-865-5000. ($30-$40)

THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. JUNE 24-28

SOUTHERN REP THEATRE, 6221 SOUTH CLAIBORNE

The Little Mermaid, Jr. is an all-child production based on the Broadway adaptation of the Disney classic about a mermaid named Ariel who would do anything to be “part of our world.”

AVENUE #310, NEW ORLEANS. SOUTHERNREP.COM.

THIBODAUX PLAYHOUSE, 314 ST. MARY ST.,

504-522-6545. ($20-$40)

THIBODAUX. THIBODAUXPLAYHOUSE.COM. 985-446-1896.

HAVE AN ITEM FOR GUMBO’S JULY ISSUE? Our deadline to submit information is the 15th of each month.

FORWARD THE DETAILS – who, what, when, where and cost, along with a daytime contact number – to: EDITOR@GUMBOGUIDE.COM.

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33

Arts

MASTER GARDENER’S TIPS

WIND CHIME CRAFT FOR ADULTS

Master Gardener Kathleen Cuneo will present gardening techniques, tools, vertical gardening and more for seniors. Those attending will receive a small flowerpot and seeds. Space is limited, so registration is required. Sign up at the library.

Adults can transform terracotta pots with paint into one-of-a-kind wind chimes. Sign up at the library.

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 2 P.M.

JUNE 23

JUNE 11

AT THE LIBRARY

MEN’S CANCERS INFORMATION PRESENTATION JUNE 12

Laura Gros, patient care coordinator at the Cancer Center of Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, will present information on prostate cancer and other cancers that commonly afflict men.

This program is free and open to the public.

JUNE 23

CHOCTAW BRANCH, 11 A.M.

PINK DAY ICE CREAM Celebrate National Pink Day at the Thibodaux Branch Library’s Fancy Nancy Ice Cream Party.

This program is open to children ages 3 to 13.

Registration is required to attend, so sign up at the library.

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 1 P.M.

MESH WREATH CRAFT JUNE 23

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 3 P.M.

Adults can sign up to create a mesh wreath.

Registration is required, so sign up at the library.

STICK TOGETHER AGAINST BULLYING

BAYOU BLUE BRANCH, 5 P.M.

Children and teens of all ages are encouraged to take a stand against bullying by creating an anti-bullying display at the library. They can also take part in a craft project to take home. All supplies provided. To participate, sign up at the library.

TERREBONNE PARISH

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 2 P.M.

The Audubon Nature Institute’s ZOOmobile will visit the library. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Terrebonne Public Library, New Orleans Arts Council and the Louisiana Division of Fine Arts.

JUNE 13

LAFOURCHE PARISH

JUNE 8

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY AT THE LOCKPORT, RACELAND, BAYOU BLUE AND LAROSE BRANCHES.

SOUTH LAFOURCHE BRANCH, 10:30 A.M.

BATMAN VISITS

PRINCESS VISIT

Batman, the Caped Crusader, visits. Parents, don’t forget your cameras.

JUNE 1: SOUTH LAFOURCHE BRANCH, 11 A.M.; GOLDEN

Children can enjoy a special story with a special princess visiting the library.

This program is free and open to the public.

MEADOW, 3 P.M.; JUNE 2: LAROSE BRANCH, 3 P.M.

RACELAND BRANCH, 2 P.M.

SPIDERMAN VISITS

3D DOODLING

JUNE 3 & 4

JUNE 9

Spiderman visits and youngsters can get their picture taken with him.

Children and teens (ages 8 to 18) can create 3D art with the library’s 3-Doodler pen.

JUNE 3: RACELAND BRANCH, 11 A.M.; BAYOU BLUE

LAROSE BRANCH, 3 P.M.

FREE TAX PREP Volunteer tax preparers with the organization 4U are offering free basic tax preparation for residents making $58,000 or less through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program during tax season.

JUNE 1 & 2

BRANCH, 3 P.M.; JUNE 4: THIBODAUX BRANCH, 11 A.M.;

JUNE 9

CHOCTAW BRANCH, 3 P.M.

CAR SEAT SAFETY DEMO

CAR SEAT SAFETY DEMO

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will demonstrate how to properly assemble a child’s car seat and provide safety tips at this event for parents.

This program is free and open to the public.

JUNE 4

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will demonstrate how to properly assemble a child’s car seat and provide safety tips at this free event. This program is free and open to the public.

JUNE 10

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 11:30 A.M.

RACELAND BRANCH, 4-6 P.M.

PRINCESS VISIT

TEEN/TWEEN ICEBREAKER

Children can enjoy a special story with a special princess visiting the library.

This program is free and open to the public.

JUNE 5

Children and teens ages 10 to 18 can meet up, play icebreaker games, and make new friends at a Summer Ice Breaker.

CHOCTAW BRANCH, 1 P.M.

34 June 2015

JUNE 10

CHOCTAW BRANCH, 2 P.M.

JUNE 1

BOURG BRANCH, 11 A.M.

FRANK LEVY INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCE Veteran performer Frank Levy, whose infectious love of theatre gets kids off their seats and acting up (in a good way), will take his show to the Lafourche Parish Public Library to open the 2015 Summer Reading Program. Levy encourages children to draw out their acting abilities and enlists audience members as the cast and crew of a production performed on the spot.

AUDUBON NATURE INSTITUTE’S ZOOMOBILE VISIT

YA CRAFT WORKSHOPS EVERY TUESDAY IN JUNE

The library will host craft workshops for teens and tweens.

BOURG BRANCH, 11 A.M.

RESUME HELP

EVERY TUESDAY IN JUNE

TEEN VIDEO GAME DESIGN CAMP

Adults can bring a jump drive and revamp their resume with help from the library.

The library will host a five-session camp for children and teens ages 11 to 18 on building 2D role-playing games. Registration is required to attend, so sign up at the library.

DULAC BRANCH, 11 A.M.

JUNE 13

LOCKPORT BRANCH, 2 P.M.

MAKERDAYS

JUNE 13, 15, 27 & 30

The library hosts a series of MakerDays in June during which people of all ages can learn simple STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) techniques. The MakerDays will be held throughout the day.

LOCKPORT BRANCH

VET’S PET CARE TIPS JUNE 17

People can hear a story and learn to keep a happy pet when local veterinarian Dr. Alaine Lafaso visits the library. This program is open to everyone ages 3 and up.

CHOCTAW BRANCH, 2 P.M.

CAR SEAT SAFETY DEMO JUNE 19

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office will demonstrate how to properly assemble a child’s car seat and provide safety tips at this event. This program is free and open to the public.

BAYOU BLUE BRANCH, 3-5 P.M.

STITCHES GROUP MEETING EVERY WEDNESDAY IN JUNE

The library’s Stitches Group will meet to work on small craft projects. Adults can bring anything they’re working on and patterns to share.

CHAUVIN BRANCH, 1 P.M.

“UNMASK” SUMMER READING PROGRAM FOR TEENS EVERY WEDNESDAY IN JUNE

Through books and crafts, teens will be able to unmask their inner hero. Join the library for finding and checking out a good book, crafts, games and activities.

GIBSON BRANCH, 2 P.M.

HOW TO DRAW MANGA JUNE 3 AND 21

Teens can learn to draw manga and anime characters in this hour-long class headed by illustrator Alexis Richard. We will cover the basic skills needed to draw the characters in any style, as well as different ways to draw some of the most distinguishing features of manga art.

MAIN BRANCH, 3 P.M.

SUPERHERO LAB

GARDEN LIGHT CRAFT

Join the library for this awesome lab as it causes destruction, but also construct something cool.

Adults will have their choice of two Mondays to come in and create a garden light using a water bottle, frosted spray paint and a LED light.

MAIN BRANCH, 1 P.M.

MONTEGUT BRANCH, 1 P.M.

JUNE 4

JUNE 8 AND 15

AUDUBON ZOO VISIT AND STORYTIME JUNE 4

The Audubon ZOOmobile will visit the library.

Then join us for a Summer Reading Program Story time. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Terrebonne Public Library, New Orleans Arts Council, and Louisiana Divsion of the Arts.

CHAUVIN BRANCH, 2 P.M.

PICK A CRAFT TIME

EVERY FRIDAY IN JUNE

Tweens and teens will have several crafts to pick from, and board games will be available. Great for those in 4th grade and up.

DULARGE BRANCH, 3 P.M.

“UNMASK” TEEN SUMMER READING PROGRAM EVERY FRIDAY IN JUNE

SCRABBLE MARATHON JUNE 10 & 24

Join us at the library as we play Scrabble together. Escape the ordinary this summer and enjoy flexing those brain muscles.

GIBSON BRANCH, 12:30 P.M.

Teens and tweens can participate in this special craft day.

ADULT CRAFT: PAINTED BOOK BAGS

MONTEGUT BRANCH, 1 P.M.

Adults can paint book bags for themselves.

Supplies provided.

JUNE 11

NORTH BRANCH, 6 P.M.

FARMER MINOR AND DAISY THE PIG PERFORM JUNE 11

Kids can enjoy a special performance by Farmer Minor and Daisy the Pig. Sponsored by the Friends of the Terrebonne Public Library, New Orleans Arts Council and Louisiana Division of the Arts.

EAST HOUMA BRANCH, 10 A.M.

DAISY THE PIG VISIT JUNE 11

EAGER READERS BOOK CLUB JUNE 8

Adults can meet to discuss the June book, “The Shop on Blossom Street” by Debbie McComber.

Future books include “Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good” by Jan Karon (July 13 @ 10:30 a.m.) and “Prayers and Lies” by Sherri Wood Emmons (August 10 @ 1:30 p.m.)

DULARGE BRANCH, 10:30 A.M.

Daisy the Pig will visit the library. All ages and families are invited! This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Terrebonne Public Library, New Orleans Arts Council and Louisiana Division of the Arts.

NORTH BRANCH, 2 P.M.

TEEN BOOK DISCUSSION JUNE 13

Teens can meet to discuss “The Giver” by Lois Lowry.

EAST HOUMA BRANCH, 2 P.M.

MATTHEW NOEL PERFORMANCE

GOOGLE APPS FOR EDUCATORS

Entertainer Matthew Noel will perform for audiences of all ages. Join us for this free, fun program. Sponsored by the Friends of the Terrebonne Public Library.

Matt Hise, a local teacher and reference staff member, will showcase how specific Google Apps, including Gmail, Google Calendar, Sites, Docs/Drive and Chrome, can heighten the productivity and digital literacy of today’s learners.

All are invited to attend.

JUNE 16

GIBSON BRANCH, 10:30 A.M.

JUNE 24

PATRIOTIC STAR WREATH CRAFT

MAIN BRANCH, 7 P.M.

Adults can make a patriotic star wreath.

ADULT LINE DANCING

JUNE 19

BOURG BRANCH, 11 A.M.

JUNE 29

Adults can meet to have fun and line dance.

BLUE JEAN PURSE CRAFT

EAST HOUMA BRANCH, 6:30 P.M.

Teens can make a blue jean purse.

MARSHMALLOW POPPERS

JUNE 22

CHAUVIN BRANCH, 1 P.M.

JUNE 30

Kids can make Marshmallow Poppers.

T-SHIRT BRACELETS CRAFT

DULAC BRANCH, 11:30 A.M.

Teens can make t-shirt bracelets.

COMICS CLUB

JUNE 23

DULAC BRANCH, 11:30 A.M.

JUNE 30

Teens can come out to discuss their favorite graphic novels and comics. Adults are welcome, too.

NORTH BRANCH, 6 P.M.

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Arts

FOR THE GAMERS ...

‘BLOODBORNE’ AMONG THE BEST 2015 HAS TO OFFER

GREAT READS OUT THIS MONTH

FINDERS KEEPERS STEPHEN KING

Scribner, $18, hardcover Release date: June 2 he master of suspense Stephen King revisits the same trio of unlikely, winning heroes fi rst introduced in “Mr. Mercedes.”

“Finders Keepers” is an intensely suspenseful novel about a vengeful reader whose obsession with a reclusive writer goes too far.

The iconic author, John Rothstein, the brain behind a famous character, Jimmy Gold, hasn’t published a book for decades. The fan, Morris Bellamy, is livid, not just because his favorite author has stopped writing, but because nonconformist Gold sold out for a career in advertising.

Morris kills Rothstein and empties his safe of cash, yes, but the real treasure is a trove of notebooks containing at least one more Gold novel.

Morris hides the money and the notebooks, and then is locked away for another crime. Decades later, a boy named Pete Saubers fi nds the treasure, and now it is Pete and his family that Bill Hodges, Holly Gibney and Jerome Robinson must rescue from the ever-more deranged Morris when he’s released from prison after 35 years.

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“IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT”

OFFICIAL SAT STUDY GUIDE (2016 EDITION)

JUDY BLUME

Knopf, $16.77, hardcover Release date: June 2 udy Blume fans, rejoice! She’s back.

The writer behind such young adult classics such as “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” Blume’s much-anticipated new novel “In the Unlikely Event” is the moving story of three generations whose lives are profoundly changed by unexpected events.

Miri Ammerman returns to Elizabeth, N.J., author Blume’s actual hometown, to attend a commemoration of the worst year of her life. It was just 35 years ago, when Miri was 15 and in love for the fi rst time, a succession of airplanes fell from the sky. The community was left reeling.

Drawing from the early 1950s, when airline travel was new and exciting, Blume skillfully paints a vivid portrait of the time and place – Nat King Cole singing “Unforgettable,” Elizabeth Taylor-style hairdos, fi rst love, friendships, A-bomb hysteria and rumors of Communist threats. Add a young journalist looking to make a name reporting tragedy.

Despite all the loss, the good times and wonder at the joy that keeps the generations going prevail. Through it all, one generation reminds another that life goes on.

Welcome back, Judy Blume. Signed, your loyal followers.

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36 June 2015

THE COLLEGE BOARD

$17, paperback Release Date: June 30 here’s no rest for the weary. Recent graduates readying for the SAT will benefi t from the practice tests, down low on test structure and gaining a deeper understanding of what is actually tested.

The study guide, prepared by The College Board, includes four offi cial SAT practice tests – written in the exact same process and by the same team of authors as the actual exam; detailed descriptions of the math and evidence-based reading and writing sections of the SAT; targeted practice questions for each type of SAT question; guidance on the new optional essay, including practice essay questions with sample responses; a review of math concepts tested; test-taking approaches and suggestions that underscore important points; seamless integration with Khan Academy’s free SAT practice resources.

There’s also a complete chapter on the PSAT/NMSQT. Gain valuable experience and raise your confi dence as you ready for the SAT.

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he month of May is always a bit light in video games, as the top distributors save their hottest titles for the summer months. So this month, I am blasting 60 days to the past.

“Bloodborne” was released March 24 with little fanfare – a PlayStation 4 game that sort-of slipped through the cracks for casual gamers. But a quick test drive had me immediately wanting more.

Soon, I was hooked.

It took some time, and it was a perplexing endeavor, but “Bloodborne” is a worthwhile experience.

The game challenges you throughout, as you battle a world in which disease, death and evil lurk at every corner. The setting is Yharnam – an ancient ruins that is plagued by disease.

In “Bloodborne,” the challenge is to battle through those depths of despair and persevere – not easy with fearsome enemies present.

Developers created a somewhat openworld gaming experience in “Bloodborne,” which gives you the option to explore and see what’s needed to be seen. But when it’s time for business, the meat and potatoes of the game are the gruesome battles with enemies – intense battles.

“Bloodborne” isn’t a mystery per se, but it is cryptic in nature with certain clues throughout the storyline that build intrigue and further the experience. If you’re not paying attention, you won’t survive. Pure and simple.

The storyline is dark. This is probably not the game for a person only interested in rainbows and butterflies. But if you don’t mind a little blood, guts and some deep thinking, “Bloodborne” will draw you in and keep you hooked for hours.

I know it did for me. Its complexities and intricacies make it easily one of the top titles I’ve delved into in 2015.

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Outdoors

OTHER FISHING EVENTS DOT JUNE CALENDAR

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KREWE OF TERRANIANS FISHING RODEO BRINGS LOADS OF FUN une is loaded with fi shing rodeos in the Houma-Thibodaux area. One in particular will bring loads of fun to fi shermen and also much-needed money to one of our most prestigious Mardi Gras krewes.

The Krewe of Terreanians will hold its 16th annual fi shing rodeo at the Houma Municipal Auditorium June 5-7.

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38 June 2015

Including salt water, fresh water and even one off shore division, the annual event is a hit for everyone who attends – even those who don’t even want to fi sh at all, but just want to come out and pass a good time.

“We pride this as a good, ole-fashioned family fun event,” said rodeo organizer

Charles Kornegay. “I’m not even a big fi sherman, myself. A lot of the people who help with the event aren’t either. We just like to get an event that lets the people in the community have a good time.”

For Terranians, the rodeo is a win-win.

Because it’s a fundraiser, most of the proceeds go to the Mardi Gras krewe to help with the basic expenses that go with maintaining and operating a Carnival operation.

But the rodeo also takes a percentage of its proceeds and donates to a worthwhile cause – usually a noteworthy charity in the area.

Kornegay said this year’s title charity hasn’t yet been decided, but he said people are always attracted to the idea that some of the proceeds from the event are given back to those in need.

“That’s something that we take pride in,” he said. “We love to give back.”

The event’s versatility is also a plus.

Fishermen of all ages and genres are welcome at the event throughout the rodeo’s multiple categories. In freshwater, prizes will be awarded for bass, Sac-a-Lait, perch, catfi sh and fi ve-bass stringer. In saltwater, reds, specks, drum, fl ounder and fi ve-red and fi ve-trout stringers will be weighed.

Off shore, the event will pay a $500 cash prize to the angler who snags the best red snapper – a luxury considering that the rodeo is held during the open of the snapper season.

But all that’s for the fi shing nuts.

If that’s not your thing, that’s OK, as music and tons of food and drinks will be enjoyed inside the Municipal Auditorium.

“This isn’t just a Mardi Gras thing. It’s bigger than just the Krewe of Terreanians,” Kornegay said. “All people are welcome.

We want everyone to come out and attend.

It’s a great weekend.”

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he Terreanians rodeo is just the beginning of it.

All throughout June, rodeos will crown fishing champions at fresh, salt, inshore and offshore waters in our area.

Below is a full rodeo calendar for the month of June.

JUNE EVENTS JUNE 5-6 – Cut Off Club Public Fishing

Rodeo, Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle. 985-787-2419.

JUNE 5-7 – 7th Annual Bubba Dove Fishing Rodeo, Falgout Canal Marina in Theriot. 985-223-5040. Tickets are $30, with proceeds benefitting the Gordon Dove Jr. Foundation. Includes $1,000 cash drawing, $1,000 prize for the biggest bull red and the biggest fish overall.

JUNE 11-13 – Swollfest Fishing Rodeo

at Sand Dollar Marina in Grand Isle.

Event is celebrating its 16th year.

985-787-2500.

JUNE 12-14 – Montegut Speckled Trout Rodeo at 1180 La. Highway 55 in Montegut. 985-232-2112.

JUNE 13 – E.D. White High School’s

Cardinal Classic Open Fishing Rodeo.

Proceeds benefit the Thibodaux-based high school. Event takes place at Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle.

985-787-2419.

JUNE 20 – CASA of Lafourche Parish Rodeo at Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle. 985-787-2419.

JUNE 26-27 – ABC Rodeo at Sand Dollar Marina in Grand Isle. 985-787-2500.

JUNE 26-27 – LA Pipeliner’s Association Fishing Rodeo at Sand Dollar Marina in Grand Isle. 985-787-2500.

JUNE 26-27 – The 31st Annual Creole Classic Fishing Rodeo at Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle. 985-787-2419.

JUNE 26-28 – The Krewe of Houma Invitational Saltwater Fishing Rodeo at Coco Marina in Cocodrie.

985-226-8788.

Gumbo guru

HONG KONG OFFERS A HOUMA TREAT

Wanna Go? HONG KONG CHINESE

6062 West Park Ave., Houma 868-9836 or hongkonghouma.com

odestly situated on a small commercial strip not far from the Southland Mall in Houma, the Hong Kong Chinese – Houma is easy to miss. But it should not be passed up.

Cozy and quiet, Hong Kong off ers good, basic food at good, aff ordable prices.

We have dined in, ordered in and also ordered for pickup, and each experience has been pleasant.

“I’ll be happy to drop an order off for you. I’m heading home,” a woman who works there said, during a pickup that had the customer noting that they live a good distance from Houma.

The menu off ers standard Chinese

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restaurant fare, but the determination is in the tasting. And the management at Hong Kong has been able to avoid – at least according to our experience – some of the pitfalls that can make Asian food outings or innings less pleasant than they should be.

The Bo-Bo Tray ($9.95) on our recent visit provided the perfect sampling of Hong Kong’s fl avors. The appetizer includes two egg rolls, several fried shrimp, chicken teriyaki on skewers, shrimp toast and an ample serving of barbecue pork. It’s a great introduction to Hong Kong’s fare and required a to-go box because it was so much food.

Two off erings that veer from the standard menu at Chinese restaurants are the sizzling rice soup, a tasty variation, and the chicken with mushroom soup. An entire section of the menu is devoted to some specialty soups not seen in these parts, which we haven’t sampled yet but look forward to in the future. The egg drop and spicy hot and sour soups are sure bets.

The Sweet and Sour Chicken ($8.95) is a winner, with the chicken morsels just so and the sauce ample but not overbearing.

The accompanying fried rice is served in an

ample portion. Scallops with vegetables are succulent and not overcooked.

The menu’s imagination is impressive, with entrees like Phoenix Shrimp, Flaming Chicken and even Curry Chicken or Beef.

Food that takes a little longer to prepare but is cooked fresh to order is another plus this restaurant has going for it.

Speaking of ordering, Hong Kong’s goodies can be ordered online for delivery or pickup. Our order was nicely packed and courteously delivered, without too much of a wait time. A call to ensure that the order was received – some of us wear suspenders in addition to our belts – was courteously received and assurances were politely given. Just go to www.hongkonghouma.com.

If you’ve any room left for dessert, be sure to try the Chinese Beignets ($3.95).

Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these fried balls of dough are a great ending to any meal.

With the dearth of restaurants providing direct delivery in these parts the convenience is appreciated.

For originality, civil and pleasant atmosphere and other amenities, we fi nd Hong Kong a hard place to beat.

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