Gumbo (August 2015)

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August 2015

SHINES ONCE AGAIN

LETTERS HARPER LEE’S

FROM THE FRONT LINE HONORS OUR VETERANS

PREP & SAINTS FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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GO SET A WATCHMAN

NEW PERFORMANCES TO SEE AT THE BAYOU PLAYHOUSE

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Contents

AUGUST 2015

ON THE COVER

PUBLISHER

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GENERAL MANAGER

See What You Started by Continuing

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

Brian Rushing Lacey LeBlanc EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Shell Armstrong CONTRIBUTORS

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Gavin Stevens GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Events

Music

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CEREBRAL PALSY TELETHONS Terrebonne and Lafourche aim to help BAYOU COUNTRY COOK OFF Cooks vie for BBQ title GOD BLESS AMERICA Front line letters to ring out with song MACDONNELL BENEFIT ‘Celebrate the Child’ gala benefit WRESTLING BENEFIT Show to raise money for Relay for Life CULINARY SHOWCASE Louisiana Restaurant Association

COLLECTIVE SOUL Band set to rock Cypress Bayou Casino KID’S PAGE Fun games for the younger crowd JEFF FLOYD Bringing back the old-school soul GARTH BROOKS A minute with the entertainer HOT TIX & CONCERTS Local performers highlighted

Arts

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THEATRE LISTINGS Performances around the region FOR YOUR BRAIN Sudoku FOR THE GAMERS Rory McIlroy PGA Tour

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NEXT TO NORMAL Show tackles mental illness

CIRCULATION

Brooke Adams SALES DIRECTOR

Deanne Ratliff SALES

Harold Cancienne Jamal Charles Elizabeth Porche

NEW ON DVD ‘Danny Collins’ BOOK REVIEW Go Set A Watchman BAYOU PLAYHOUSE announces 8th season lineup

PREP FOOTBALL SEASON A hit in Houma-Thibodaux area SAINTS PREVIEW Saints want rebound season HERCULES FISHING RODEO A festival on the bayou

Gumbo Guru

MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE Junior Auxiliary’s fundraising event EVENT LISTINGS Check out this month’s events

AT THE LIBRARY More than books at local libraries

Outdoors

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Mariella Brochard Danielle Evans

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MEMAW’S CAJUN CUISINE Down-home dishes you crave

6160 W. Park Ave., Houma, LA 70364 985.868.7515 • Fax 985.873.9009 GUMBOGUIDE.COM

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

TELETHON NEEDS YOUR HELP

errebonne and Lafourche parishes are set to do their part in helping Cerebral Palsy of Louisiana by hosting the two largest annual fundraising events for the statewide non-profit organization Aug. 1 2 and Aug. 22 – 23, respectively.

At the beginning of the month, volunteers will converge on the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center to encourage at-home viewers to call in and make a generous donation for those living with the condition typically caused by damage to the brain during birth. In addition to picking up the phone, viewers can also stop by the event and donate in person.

“We encourage the public to come down and drop $25 or more into the fish bowl,” Kathy Arceneaux, assistant to the organization’s executive director, said. “They get an ‘I Helped’ T-shirt and on Saturday, they can come to the fish bowl, drop $25 or more and get a free haircut courtesy of A Good Hair Day in Houma.”

Volunteers for the Houma event include Honorary Chairperson Chuck Weaver of South Louisiana Bank, as well as local bank employees, Terrebonne Parish Council

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Wanna Go? WHAT: Bayou Area Telethon WHERE: Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center WHEN: Aug. 1, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Aug. 2, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

INFO: Will be broadcast on Charter Communications Channel 198 and Comcast Channel 190 WHAT: Lower Lafourche Telethon WHERE: Cut Off Youth Center WHEN: Aug. 22, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Aug. 23, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

INFO: Will be broadcast on Vision Communications Channel 5

Both telethons will also be broadcast at

cerebralpalsyla.com 6 August 2015

members and Sheriff’s Office employees.

Each year, the organization selects locals with cerebral palsy to represent the fundraiser. This year, the Bayou Area Telethon is represented by Claire Toups, a 14-yearold Houma resident and student at Grand Caillou Middle School.

On Aug. 22 - 23, the organization will move to Bayou Lafourche, setting up camp at the Cut Off Youth Center to encourage donations from residents there as part of the Lower Lafourche Telethon. This event will be very similar to the Houma telethon and will include volunteers from the Lafourche Parish Council, as well as past and current area festival queens.

This event is represented by Amrys Hebert, a 13-year-old Cut Off resident.

Throughout both weekends, local musicians will perform. In Houma, acoustic music from Kayla Hebert kicks things off, followed by the likes of variety band Fernwood, 2 Shots Til Sunday, singer Hannah Guidry, the TARC Bell Choir and more. In Cut Off, the Bayou Bell Ringers open the show, followed by Hannah Guidry, 2 Shots Til Sunday and more.

Arceneaux said those wishing to volunteer but not comfortable being on television can still help. Those wishing to do their part can work behind-the-scenes to make both telethons run smoothly.

“If you don’t feel comfortable coming in and manning the phone, we also do all of our processing at the telethon,” she explained. “In other words, as pledges come in, they are put in a tally machine. We also have a tally board to show the public what each area is bringing in. Once we put the pledges into the machine, it goes to a computer database to process the pledge.

The pledge form is put in an envelope, we put a bank envelope in it, seal it and Sunday night, everything is ready to go to the mail.”

The Houma and Cut Off telethons have run for more than 40 years, Arceneaux said, and both offer tremendous financial support to the organization, which relies solely on donations to assist clients with wheelchairs, braces, eyeglasses, vehicle lifts and other medical equipment, as well as physical, occupational or speech therapy.

These services are offered to organization clients free of charge. About $80,000 was raised in Terrebonne Parish last year, while Lafourche Parish brought in more than $90,000.

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“Cut Off and Houma are our two largest telethons that we do every year,” Arceneaux explained of the events, which are also held annually in Lafayette and Monroe.

“They get a lot of community support and it’s something people are looking forward to every year.”

Arceneaux, a Houma resident who volunteered with the organization for seven years before joining the staff full-time 17 years ago, said being part of such a beneficial event and organization is what makes the time spent all worth it.

“I’ve been around and seen a lot and it’s very rewarding,” she explained. “You get to see a lot of individuals grow up as children and young adults and it’s a great thing to be a part of.”

For Arceneaux, the events are a great way for everyone involved in the organization to spend time together while benefitting the work they are so passionate about.

“We have a lot of clients that come and see us and we have a lot of parents of clients that man the phones,” she said. “We get a chance to interact, which is great...We have a really good time. This a time many of us get to have fellowship with each other.”

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Events

COOKS VIE FOR BBQ TITLE

More information on each activity and registration information is available at WWW.BAYOUCOOKOFF.COM. he Houma Airbase will be filled with the aroma of meat cooking on Friday, Aug. 21, and Saturday, Aug. 22, when barbecue teams fire up their grills to compete in the 3rd annual Bayou Country BBQ Cook-Off. And while the grills are going, other folks will be roping calves and riding bulls as part of a rodeo sanctioned by the Cajun Rodeo Association (CRA). On Saturday morning, others will be admiring automobiles and some will be competing in a beauty pageant. Shoppers will be able to take advantage of a craft and boutique area and youngsters will be able to enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo and games.

Gates open at 6 p.m. on Friday and at 10

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a.m. on Saturday. Admission is free, except for the rodeo, which is $10 for adults and $6 for children.

Each night closes out with music and on Friday, beginning at 9 p.m., Bayou Deluxe will perform. Ruff ‘n’ Ready takes the stage at 9 p.m. Saturday.

Nicole Trahan, who’s been president of the Bayou Country Cook-Off for its threeyear run, says new events, such as the rodeo and the car show, have been added and the location has been changed with expectations to double the money raised for local charities. Each year, the proceeds from the cook-off are divided between two charities – MacDonnell United Methodist Children’s Services and one other local

charity. This year’s second beneficiary is the Terrebonne Children’s Advocacy Center.

There is no entry fee for the beauty pageant, but contestants are asked to donate non-perishable food items, which are donated to local food banks. Last year, the event donated $4,600 to MacDonnell Children’s Services and to Hope Restored for Life. The local food bank received more than 6,200 items, Trahan said.

The cook-off is a Barbeque Competitors Alliance (BCA) sanctioned event that attracts local and professional teams.

“We had a lot of local participation last year, and some of the local teams put the professional teams to the test,” Trahan said.

Each team will prepare a brisket, a half chicken and pork spare ribs. Some teams will show up on Friday evening, Trahan said, to prepare and some may begin cooking on Friday, in anticipation of the judging at noon on Saturday. They will be competing for points that can earn an invitation to a final event and for part of the $3,000 payout.

Awards will be handed out from first to 10th place in each meat category. There will also be a local grand champion named, who gets “bragging rights for the next year,” Trahan said.

A reserve champion will also be named.

Judges are members of the “general public,” Trahan said, because the BCA prefers it that way. This year, about 30 to 35 judges will be needed, she said and those interested in being part of the judging can sign up in advance on the event’s web page. Some people will come wanting to judge, but others will be pulled from the crowd, she said.

The rodeo, Trahan said, “will have the typical rodeo events, like calf roping, bull riding and barrel racing.” The rodeo, scheduled for each night at 7 p.m., includes pre-rodeo events, like the introduction of contestants for rodeo queen on Friday and the announcement of the Bayou Country Rodeo Queen on Saturday. A youth rodeo is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The car show Saturday morning is open to anyone who pays the $25 entry fee.

Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories – Mustang, Camaro, motorcycles and the like – according to Trahan. These awards will be handed out at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

The cook-off beauty pageant is set for 10 a.m. Saturday. It is open to anyone up to age 15.

Kevin Champagne, executive director of MacDonnell Children’s Services, said donated funds help supplement what the organization gets from the state to cover the costs for the residential center it operates for boys in Houma. Champagne also said his organization offers volunteers who help with the event.

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Events

FRONT LINE LETTERS TO RING OUT WITH SONG

ndependence Day has passed and Veterans Day is three months away.

But for the producers and cast of an up-coming concert/stage show employing live performers and multi-media components at the Courtyard Marriott in Houma, patriotism and acknowledgment of sacrifice knows no season.

“God Bless America – Letters From the Front Line” will honor those who have served with recitations of letters from U.S. armed forces combatants from World War II to the War in Iraq, interspersed with live choral and pre-recorded selections of patriotic and inspirational music, all geared toward illustrating the show’s message.

“The message is these are men and women we must never forget,” said co-producer

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Lorna Farrar, following a choral rehearsal at New Vision Christian Community Church in Raceland. Farrar, along with partner Bernadette Dugas, said their hope is to spread the message of thanks for service members past, present and future at the event, scheduled for 8 p.m. Aug. 6, 7 and 8, as part of package that includes 7 p.m. dinner. A 2 p.m. show Aug. 9 includes lunch at 1 p.m.; Tickets for all performances with meals included are $70 per person.

The stars of the show are the voices that read letters literally sent from the front during then nation’s conflicts, with all of their pathos and hope. That soundtrack, with relevant audio effects, is borrowed from a PBS series titled “The American Experience” that ran some years ago.

But there are other stars as well.

An 11 by 18-foot American flag – purchased by Houma insurance broker Stephanie Hebert – is a key backdrop; During Sundays rehearsal it appeared to dwarf the chorus whose rendition of “America the Beautiful” was not only tonal but spine-tingling.

The Rev. Rhodes, his wife, Shannon and their son D.J., along with Dre’ Woods, Meghan Dawson, Annah Lovell, Rance Scott Jr. and Kate Bergeron have voices that seem to naturally blend.

“The show itself is so emotional and heart-warming, which helps me to share that with the audience,” said Bergeron, who lives in Houma, echoing the feelings of other cast members.

“It is good to be a citizen of the United States and be with different people of different races and have something to sing about,” said Dawson, of Gray.

Pride in country and in the armed forces, the Rev. Rhodes said, easily translates to song.

Lorna and Bernadette have a long history of theatrical production in the area, having started with dinner-theater at Oak Alley decades ago.

The importance of the message, Lorna said, justifies the production’s cost and the work going into it. For her, the experience of working with the singers has proved moving, and promises audiences an experience she is certain they won’t soon forget.

“For me what sings out is the heartfelt power of their voices when they sing about this country,” Lorna said. “It is just so pure so I get so emotional hearing them sing, because they mean very word of every song. Everybody knows the shape our country is in; our country is at risk, our churches are at risk and our service members are at risk.”

“God Bless America – Letters From the Front Line,” she is confident, will do justice to the men and women it seeks to honor, and leave the audience with something to sing about when the show is done.

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Events

‘CELEBRATE THE CHILD’ GALA BENEFITS MACDONNELL

he “Celebrate the Child” gala, set for Friday, Aug. 14, at the Houma Municipal Auditorium, sponsored by Remembered Wings, will benefit MacDonnell Children’s Services in Houma.

This is the 31st year of the gala, Kevin Champagne, executive director of the benefitting organization, said. The money raised will be used to support the residential home for boys in Houma. State funds fall short of what it costs to house the 12 boys at the house, and the gala is the organization’s main annual fundraiser.

According to Champagne, program costs are about $150 a day, while the state reimbursement is a little more than $125 a day.

Paul Wayne, a former resident of the residential home, now a nurse anesthetist in Denver, Colo., will serve as emcee. Wayne is among a group of former residents who stepped in a few years ago when the gala was going to be cancelled for financial reasons. These former residents, Champagne said, solicit donations for the gala and pay for any shortcomings. Wayne, who was a resident for eight years, is the author of a book about his experiences.

During the gala, three awards will be presented to individuals in the community

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who have made outstanding contributions on behalf of children and youth. The winners, Champagne said, are a surprise until the night of the gala. One of the awards is named for the founder of MacDonnell United Methodist Children’s Services, Ella K. Hooper. The organization was established in 1919 and is under the umbrella of the national United Methodist Women’s group. Other awards acknowledge a local child advocate and youth activist.

The Houma MacDonnell house has undergone changes over the years, Champagne said.

“It’s been a French mission school, then a school for Indian children when they couldn’t attend public school, an orphanage, and now it’s a residential group home for boys,” he explained. At one time, the home could serve more youth, but changes in state policy and because of local decisions based on those changes, only 12 boys can be housed at a time.

Tickets for the event are $50 for individuals; and sponsorships are available for tables seating two to eight, ranging from $300 to $1,200. Prices include food, beverages and live music. There will also be live and silent auctions.

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FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT, CALL 985-868-8362.

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Events

WRESTLING SHOW TO RAISE MONEY FOR RELAY FOR LIFE

To purchase tickets, visit www.EliteChampionshipWrestling.com or call 985-262-9789.

ome of the best local wrestlers are teaming up with Elite Championship Wrestling to raise money for Relay for Life.

Two famous stars in the industry have joined the battle, as well – each vowing to kick, punch, suplex and body slam opponents in Houma to help the cause.

Elite Championship Wrestling is currently selling tickets for its ‘Takedown Cancer’ show, which is set for Aug. 8 at the East Park Recreation Center in Houma.

The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and local favorites and Elite Championship regulars Anthony, Vordell Walker, John Saxon, Mustang Mike, Stan Sweetan and Xtian Blake are booked to appear.

Also booked for the charity show are Ring of Honor superstars Christopher Daniels and Ray “Death” Rowe – guys who have gained International acclaim throughout their careers.

S FOLKS CAN ALSO BUY TICKETS AT INSPIRE 2 DANCE INSIDE SOUTHLAND MALL.

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Cost to attend the show is $12, and Elite Championship Wrestling is partnering with Dancers of Hope to make the show a success.

All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

“We all have been affected by cancer in some way, shape or form,” David, event promoter said. “Being able to use something that I love in professional wrestling to bring together the community to fight cancer makes me feel really, really good.”

The action inside the ring on Aug. 8 will be intense and action-packed.

Pitre said the show will be stacked from top-to-bottom, loaded full with four championship matches.

The main event will pit Daniels against Anthony in a battle for the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship.

Throughout the past several years, Daniels has gained International acclaim for his career in Ring of Honor. According to several wrestling purists, Daniels is among the top wrestlers in the world.

But Anthony is rising up the charts, as well. A regular to Houma shows, the man they call the “Mythan Warrior,” has gained a huge following on the independent circuit.

“That’s going to be a great match,” Pitre said. “To see two great competitors like that in the same ring is going to be a treat

for wrestling fans in our area.”

In the semi-main event of the card, NWAElite Heavyweight Champion Vordell Walker will take on Saxon and Rowe in a triple threat match.

Walker has held the title for a couple months, and has proven to be a fighting champion. Rowe is a mean machine who usually destroys everything in his path. In his first trip to Houma, he wowed the local crowd with a thrilling performance.

Other title matches on the card will be champion Tim Storm vs. Xtian Blake for the NWA North American Championship, and the Superfriends vs. Team Roll Tide for the NWA-Elite Tag Team Championships.

“This night’s event will feature top international, regional and local wrestling stars,” Pitre said. “If you have been to an NWA-Elite show, you know the action we bring to the table. But if you haven’t, it’s time to join the uprising and find out why we are one of the top brands in the NWA, and why people all over the United States are talking about us right here in Houma, Louisiana.”

Pitre said tickets for the fundraising shows usually go quick, so he urges folks to order early to guarantee a spot at the event.

“We hope everyone comes out to support this great cause,” he said.

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Events

CULINARY SHOWCASE

othing brings locals together quite like delicious food, and the third annual Bayou Chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Culinary Showcase on Thursday, Aug. 20, at The Cypress Columns in Gray will not disappoint.

Twenty of the best local restaurants are set to serve up their favorite dishes, offering samples to attendees. Guests will also get the opportunity to vote for their favorite dishes with the People’s Choice Award.

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Culinary Showcase THURS., AUG. 20 6 - 9 P.M.

The Cypress Columns, Gray

“It’s kind of a little challenge for everybody to put out their best dish,” Chef Randy Barrios, Flanagan’s corporate chef and director of operations and bayou chapter board member, said.

The night also includes live music from Jazmine, a cash bar and auctions. Chef Randy Cheramie of the Nicholls State University Chef John Folse Culinary Institute will be the emcee for the evening.

Three chefs will also take the stage for cooking demonstrations throughout the evening. Chef Kenni Bergeron of Zen Japanese Grill and Sushi Bar kicks things off, followed by presentations from Chef Nathan Richard, executive chef of Kingfish Kitchen & Cocktails and Bombay Club, and Chef Duke LoCicero, owner and chef of Cafe Giovanni.

LoCicero hails from the Big Easy and is known for his memorable Italian cuisine, while Bergeron creates the out-of-the-box sushi options at the Houma-based Zen. Richard, a Thibodaux native, has honed his chops with some of the best in the business and will be cooking sautéed shrimp with a tangy barbecue sauce combined with waffle for a spin on the traditional chicken and waffles.

“Any time you can help out the community is great,” Richard said of his involvement. “It’s not just about cooking – it’s about giving your time and giving back.”

The event’s VIP tables have already sold out, Barrios said, but general admission tickets are still available for $25.

TICKETS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE DOOR FOR $35.

Proceeds from the event benefit the LRA’s Education Foundation and it’s twoyear ProStart program, which immerses high school students with culinary aspirations through specialized curriculum and internships.

During the LRA’s annual expo Aug. 8-10, approximately $70,000 in scholarships will be awarded to these students, funded through money raised at events like the Culinary Showcase.

“It’s a great way for us, as a chapter, to do our part in helping out with these scholarships,” Barrios said.

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Events

MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE tep behind the mask for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing and more at the inaugural Moonlight Masquerade hosted by Junior Auxiliary of Houma on Saturday, Aug. 22.

The event serves as the replacement for the organization’s Denim and Diamonds fundraiser and aims to provide an enjoyable evening on the town while supporting the community.

The focal point of the evening will be the Houma’s Dancing with the Stars event, featuring pairs of local celebrities and professionals competing for the championship title. Event Co-Chair Nikki Robichaux said among the mix of professionals is a former Saintsation and an interior designer. Participating celebrities will be kept secret until the night of the event, but the public can take a crack at who they think will appear by posting their answers to clues posted on the Facebook page for the event.

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Moonlight Masquerade SATURDAY, AUG. 22

Houma Municipal Auditorium 880 Verret St., Houma 7 - 11 P.M.

Houma musician Joe Stark and several friends will keep crowds on their feet. A variety of food, an open bar and a silent auction are included with the event. Robichaux said attendees will be reminded throughout the night to place a bid on an item that catches their eye in order to raise the funds the organization relies on to support its good works for local children.

“We’re going to ask people not to forget about our silent auction. The money we make off this event is what we use to go into the community and do our service projects,” she explained.

A red carpet wall will also be set up at the event entrance to showcase sponsors.

A professional photographer will be available to take photos of everyone as they arrive and the Junior Auxiliary encourages

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attendees to use #whosbehindthemaskhouma to share photos from the evening on social media.

Guests are invited to dress according to the theme by wearing a mask, Robichaux said, and are encouraged to wear whatever fits the cocktail-attire theme and will allow them to thoroughly enjoy the evening.

“We want people to come comfortable,” Robichaux explained. “Whatever cocktail attire is to you, that’s what we want you to show up in. If cocktail attire means jeans and a nice shirt, by all means. If you want to bring your own mask, we highly encourage it. We will have masks there, as well.

For a donation, you get to choose from a variety of ones available.”

Overall, Robichaux said Junior Auxiliary of Houma hopes to provide an event that will not only allow the public to enjoy great food, music and entertainment, but also gives them the chance to help give back to their community.

“We want people to come in and feel welcome,” Robichaux said. “We want them to have a memorable night because we want them to come back year after year.”

Proceeds from the event benefit the various community service projects Junior Auxiliary of Houma does throughout the year. The organization is made up of women from all walks of life and encourages its members to become active, constructive community leaders. The Houma Chapter

of the larger National Association of Junior Auxiliaries was formed in 1973 and now does approximately seven community service projects focused on women, children and the elderly annually. Projects include donating shoes to little ones in need of a good pair of sneakers and offering empowerment programs to young girls in an effort to keep them on a positive track.

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TICKETS FOR MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE ARE $50 PER PERSON IN ADVANCE AND $65 ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT. TICKETS MAY BE PURCHASED FROM ANY JUNIOR AUXILIARY OF HOUMA MEMBER OR BY EMAILING JAOFHOUMA@GMAIL.COM.

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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. RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY PRESENTS BUILT TO AMAZE! THURSDAY, AUG. 13 – SUNDAY, AUG. 16

The Greatest Show on Earth will make a pit stop at Louisiana’s capital for its All-New Gold Tour. Thursday and Friday shows begin at 7 p.m. Saturday shows begin at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Sunday shows begin at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Ticket prices vary between $12 and $55 depending on seating.

RIVER CENTER ARENA, BATON ROUGE. 225-389-3030 OR WWW.BRRIVERCENTER.COM

HORSE SHOW

SATURDAY, AUG. 1 – SUNDAY, AUG. 2

Cerebral Palsy of Louisiana, a non-profit organization designed to assist Louisiana residents with the disability, will host a live telethon at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center. All pledges will be used to purchase walkers, braces, wheelchairs, assistance with therapy and more.

HOUMA-TERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER, HOUMA. 1-800-375-8275 TO VOLUNTEER OR 985-898-0200 TO PLEDGE

ROAST, TOAST & BOAST: A TRIBUTE TO SIDNEY TRICHE THURSDAY, AUG. 6, 7 P.M.

This family-friendly fundraiser includes a dinner, table games and a silent auction for rare and exclusive merchandise, such as firearms, knives, jewelry and art. Tickets are $30 per person, $50 per couple and $350 for a table of eight. All proceeds are used to support shooting sports programs.

The Larose Civic Club will host this event to honor Sidney Triche, who currently serves as president of the Lafourche Parish Water District and has given tremendously to the local community. Tickets are $50 each or $1,000 for corporate tables of 12, which include wine, reserved seating, sponsorship recognition in the program and four tickets to a meet-and-greet event at 6 p.m.

Proceeds from this event benefit Bayou Civic Club, Fish the Bayou and Holy Rosary Catholic School. Guests must RSVP by Aug. 1.

EVERGREEN CAJUN CENTER, HOUMA. 985-853-3009

LAROSE CIVIC CENTER, LAROSE. 985.693.7355,

OR JKDEBLIEUX@CHARTER.NET

BAYOUCIVICCLUB.COM

29TH ANNUAL PATTERSON CHAPTER DUCKS UNLIMITED BANQUET

THE FREDRICKS COMPANY PRESENTS JEFF FLOYD AND FRIENDS

18TH ANNUAL FRIENDS OF THE NRA BANQUET THURSDAY, AUG. 6, 6 P.M.-10:30 P.M.

FRIDAY, AUG. 7, 6 P.M. – 10 P.M.

The non-profit organization Ducks Unlimited will host a fundraiser for the conservation of North America’s waterfowl and wetlands. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

An auction will begin at 7:45 p.m., consisting of Ducks Unlimited merchandise, art pieces, firearms, furniture and outdoor equipment. Tickets are $40 per person and $70 per couple.

PATTERSON AREA CIVIC CENTER, PATTERSON. 985-992-6761

KUDOS TO CLAUDET THURSDAY, AUG. 6, 7 P.M.

Leadership Terrebonne Alumni Association is hosting this appreciation dinner to honor Parish President Michel Claudet for his service to Terrebonne Parish. During the evening, Claudet will reflect upon his time in office in a conversational interview moderated by retired Terrebonne Parish Council Clerk Paul Labat and share some parting thoughts on the parish and his wishes

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FRIDAY, AUG. 7, 9 P.M.

Jeff Floyd, Ronnie Bell, Kenne Wayne and Jeff Chaz will perform at this blues concert. Tickets are $20 - $35.

WARREN J. HARANG MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, THIBODAUX. TICKETMASTER.COM

ANNUAL HERCULES FISHING RODEO FRIDAY, AUG. 7 – SUNDAY, AUG. 9

Competitive anglers are welcome to compete and win cash prizes in this weekend event.

Participants may purchase a $25 rodeo ticket at any local marina or sporting goods store in Houma. In addition to the rodeo, there will be live entertainment, a jambalaya cook-off, a live auction and a drawing for a $500 door prize.

Admission for live entertainment requires a $10 cover charge or a rodeo ticket. The entry fee for the jambalaya cook-off is $100 per team.

AGRICULTURE PAVILION AT HOUMA AIRBASE. 985-688-6614 OR 985-637-5507 OR WWW.KREWEOFHERCULES.COM

The 3rd Annual Bayou Country Cook-Off will open to the public at 6 p.m. on Friday. The weekend event includes craft vendors, a car show, a beauty pageant, children’s games, a rodeo and the cook-off. Admission is free to the public but admission will apply for the nightly rodeo performances. The barbecue team entry fee is $150 and awards will be announced on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. All proceeds will go to the MacDonnell Children’s Services and the Terrebonne Children’s Advocacy Center.

HOUMA AIRBASE, HOUMA. 985-262-1435 OR 985-860-3372 OR WWW.BAYOUCOOKOFF.COM

Sponsored by the Terrebonne Livestock Agricultural Fair Association, the show includes judged events and competitions.

MOONLIGHT MASQUERADE

for the future. The event is open to the public and admission is $40 each or $320 for a reserved table of eight. Doors open at 6 p.m. and include a cash bar and catered dinner. All proceeds support the alumni association and its programs through Leadership Terrebonne.

HOUMA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, HOUMA. 985.876.5600

FRIDAY, AUG. 21 – SATURDAY, AUG. 22

SATURDAY, AUG. 15, 3 – 10 P.M.

HOUMA AIRBASE ARENA, HOUMA. 985-804-7932

CEREBRAL PALSY TELETHON

BAYOU COUNTRY COOK-OFF

NEW ORLEANS SUSHI FEST AND COMPETITION SUNDAY, AUG. 16, 2 P.M.

Celebrate Japanese culture and food at the second annual New Orleans Sushi Fest and Competition. The event will feature sushi creations and Japanese-inspired dishes from individuals and restaurants across the New Orleans area. Raffle tickets will be sold for a chance to win two airline tickets to Japan. Tickets will be $15 in advance and $25 at the door.

UNO LAKEFRONT ARENA, NEW ORLEANS. WWW.NEWORLEANSSUSHIFEST.COM

SATURDAY, AUG. 22, 7 P.M.

Join the ladies of the Junior Auxiliary of Houma for this inaugural event to help support the community. Crowds will be treated to a silent auction, complimentary beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres, as well as live entertainment. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. Cocktail attire is requested. All proceeds benefit the organization, which aims to improve local children’s well-being.

HOUMA MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM, HOUMA. JAOFHOUMA@GMAIL.COM

JEAN LAFITTE GUN SHOW

SATURDAY, AUG. 22 – SUNDAY, AUG. 23, 9 A.M. – 5 P.M.

Celebrate your Second Amendment rights at the Jean LaFitte Gun Show, hosted by Jean LaFitte Promotions of Louisiana. General admission is $8 and children 12 and under get in free. All federal, state and local firearm ordinances and laws must be obeyed.

HOUMA-TERREBONNE CIVIC CENTER, HOUMA. 985-850-4657 OR BALDWADE@ATT.NET

OR WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/NEWORLEANSSUSHIFEST

CULINARY SHOWCASE SATURDAY, AUG. 20, 6 - 9 P.M.

Enjoy food from more than 20 area restaurants at this annual presentation hosted by the Bayou Chapter of the Louisiana Restaurant Association.

The evening will include live music, chef cooking demonstrations and silent and live auctions.

General admission tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. VIP Tables of 10 are $500 and include wine; Chef’s Tables of 8 are $1,000 and include wine and table service of all dishes prepare on stage.

DOWNTOWN LIVE AFTER 5 FRIDAY, AUG. 28, 5:30 P.M.

This month’s music will be provided by Sheaux Down. The opening act begins at 5:30 p.m. and the main event at 7 p.m.

COURTHOUSE SQUARE, HOUMA. 985-873-6408

CYPRESS COLUMNS, GRAY. CWAGUESPACK@LRA.ORG, DONALDSPAHR@HOTMAIL.COM, MICHAEL.GROS@DOERLEFOODSERVICE.COM

BACK TO SCHOOL PRAYER FEST FRIDAY, AUG. 21, 6:30 P.M.

RACE FOR BRAIN ANEURYSM AWARENESS 5K WITH MARY SATURDAY, AUG. 29, FUN RUN: 8 A.M.; 5K IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING

PELTIER PARK, THIBODAUX.

Walk alongside survivors at this third annual event to honor founder Chasity Authement’s mother, Mary, who survived a brain aneurysm rupture in 2012. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the fun run is open to children ages 12 and under. Registration is $20 per walker through Aug. 14 and $25 after. Those who register by Aug. 14 will receive a race T-shirt. Proceeds from this race benefit the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.

PRAYERFEST2015@GMAIL.COM, 985.870.5548

PELTIER PARK, THIBODAUX. GIVE.BAFOUND.ORG,

Community members are invited to come together to pray for the beginning of a new school year and for those running for various elected offices. A voter registration table will also be available for those needing to register. Singers, dancers and other entertainers will be on-hand.

The event is free and open to the public.

CHASITYBAF5K@YAHOO.COM

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SEE WHAT YOU STARTED

BY CONTINUING Wanna Go? WHAT: Collective Soul WHERE: Cypress Bayou Casino, Charenton, La. WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.

COST: $35-$50

20 August 2015

ome would say they’re back; others, they never left. No matter the crowd you fall in, this month is your chance to hear Collective Soul at Cypress Bayou Casino.

Collective Soul, a five-piece Atlantabased alternative rock band, catapulted into the limelight with “Shine,” an upbeat hit off the group’s inaugural 1994 release, “Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid.”

“Shine” has been covered by everyone from Dolly Parton (on her 2001 “Little Sparrow” album, which earned her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country

S

Vocal Performance.) to the Holmes Brothers to the Newsboys.

The band’s ninth studio album, “See What You Started by Continuing,” is set to drop Oct. 2. A free download of “This,” the first single from the new album, is available via the website www.collectivesoul.com.

Similar to other Atlanta alternative rock groups, Collective Soul – frontman Ed Roland, lead vocals/guitars/keyboards; Dean Roland, guitars; Will Turpin, bass/ percussion; Jesse Triplett, guitars and Johnny Rabb, drums – demos quickly garnered fans through the college circuit.

The group’s self-titled follow-up effort went triple platinum and produced five Top Ten hits. “December” and “The World I Know” charted on the Top 40.

More hits followed – “Run,” “Heavy,” “Precious Declaration,” “Perfect Day” and “Listen” – earning Collective Soul a spot in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

Along with the latest release, Collective Soul is launching a tour celebrating the band’s 21st anniversary. According to frontman Roland, expect “lots of guitars and a fun attitude from the southern gentlemen of rock and roll.”

•

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21

Music

BRINGING BACK THE OLD-SCHOOL SOUL JEFF FLOYD PLAYS FOR BOTH OLD AND YOUNG hether you like upbeat soul or like a little funk, Jeff Floyd sings for you.

The Jacksonville, Fla., native blends old-school soul, gospel, rhythm and blues and a little funk to create a sound that different generations can appreciate.

Floyd’s influences are many. He said if you listen closely to his music, you’ll hear Earth, Wind and Fire or Parliament-Funkadelic, but his vocals are more like Otis Redding, Bobby Womack, Teddy Pendergrass and a little bit of Frankie Beverly.

“You might want to get up and dance,” Floyd said. “You might want to shake your leg.”

Floyd said blues influence his music, but that’s not what crowds are into these days.

“We try to do more soul, party music,” the performer said. “I’m not saying that we don’t do blues, because we might slide in ‘Stormy Monday’ [by Freddie King] … but whatever we do, it’s gonna have to have soul because we have young people now … and the young people don’t care for [blues] too much.”

Floyd said audiences are getting younger, which influences his onstage performance.

He tries to appeal to all generations of R&B fans, adding a wide range of tunes to his set; but every now and then, Floyd aims to remind audiences “what blues used to sound like.”

Floyd surmises more of his original fans are older – spending less time in the club and more time in church. But he hopes to give them a reason to go out again.

Fans of ‘70s balladeers such as Luther Vandross and Bobby Womack, Jeff Floyd is sure to entertain. His hits, “I Found Love (On a Lonely Highway)” and “Lock My Door,” catapulted Floyd to the top of the charts, earning him a reputation as a solid soul singer.

Floyd’s latest album, “Watch Me Work,” released in 2012 on Wilbe Records, features the danceable “Party Time.”

“I don’t care what CD I make … I’m gonna try to keep that old flavor in there,” he said.

W

22 August 2015

JEFF FLOYD WARREN J. HARANG JR. MUNICIPAL AUDITORIUM

310 N. Canal Blvd., Thibodaux FRIDAY, AUG. 7, 9 P.M. COST: $35

Floyd grew up in a musical family of eight children. His older brother, Neal – a successful saxophonist who’s traveled the world performing – is his greatest inspiration.

The younger Floyd longed for a musical career. He learned to play drums and bass guitar and, after graduating from high school in 1978, sang with his other brother, Mike, in “The Transit Band.”

Floyd released his first 45 rpm in 1984.

The A-side featured “Best of Friends”; “Don’t Leave Me” was on the B-side.

“Don’t Leave Me” was Floyd’s first hit,

establishing him as a bona fide recording artist.

After that, Floyd began producing music with his band under the moniker Jeff Floyd and the Sweat Band.

Later on, the band name was dropped and the group toured as Jeff Floyd.

Floyd’s biggest hit remains “I Found Love.” He also continues to produce a number of throwback jams that incorporate the sounds fans want to hear.

Locals can catch Floyd Aug. 7 at the Warren J. Harang Jr. Auditorium in Thibodaux.

Tickets are $35.

•

Music

A MINUTE WITH GARTH BROOKS

GARTH TAKES A SELFIE WITH GUMBO EDITOR SHELL ARMSTRONG

he Big Easy saw a huge first last month at the Smoothie King Center: four sellout shows by Garth Brooks.

Gumbo was treated to a one-on-one with the superstar and his wife, Trisha Yearwood. Here’s what he had to say:

GARTH: I’m not worried about that. I make

GUMBO: Have you tried NOLA’s food yet?

they were little and we were touring and away. But now they are grown and doing their own thing so there is no more guilt trip. They do FaceTime. My babies are so young, they are still my babies. I just love seeing them, and then the granddaughter is just amazing. She is so sweet.

T

What do you like?

GARTH: We just landed here, so we haven’t

gotten to try anything yet. I keep asking what’s the best thing here, and [Chuck, with his tour entourage] keeps saying it’s the food. Hands down. He mentioned something – I know I’m going to say it wrong – bignettes … (“Beignets” the folks listening in offer in unison.) Yeah, beignettes. I don’t have any idea what they are but I’m looking forward to having some.

GUMBO: You may want to change your

shirt first; there’s a lot of powdered sugar involved. (Garth was in a black T-shirt with a black pullover on top.)

a mess and end up with everything all over me.

GUMBO: What’s it like to be a grandfather?

GARTH: The thing about the kids is before

GUMBO: Now that you and Trisha are on

the same label, any chance fans will see a husband-wife release?

GARTH: We are on the same label now, so

it would be easier to make that happen.

We’re thinking about a Christmas album, maybe.

•

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23

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:

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

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

GOOD OLD WAR PLUS ELLIOT ROOT PLUS PETE HILL – Aug. 5, House of Blues, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $15

SIRIUS XM PRESENTS RAEKWON & GHOSTFACE KILLAH – Aug. 6, House of Blues, New

ON THE BORDER – EAGLES TRIBUTE – Aug. 15, River Center Ballroom, Baton Rouge, 7:45 p.m., $45-$65 SUSHI FEST 2015 FEATURING JAPANESE ENTERTAINMENT & FLOW TRIBE – Aug. 16, UNO

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/BOBCAT’S

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

Bold Sphere Music at Champions Square, New Orleans, 6 p.m., $56-$95

HOWIE DAY PLUS CASEY BUCKLEY – Aug. 16, House of Blues, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $15

SLIPPERY WHEN WET – BON JOVI TRIBUTE

Aug. 8, House of Blues, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $12

Rouge, 8 p.m., $16

KISS TRIBUTE – ROCK AND ROLL OVER – Aug.

BREWSIANA LOUISIANA CRAFT BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL – Aug. 23, House of Blues, New Orleans, 3 p.m., $12

Blues, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $18

THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW – Aug.

SNOW THA PRODUCT PLUS AUDIO PUSH –

27, Bold Sphere Music at Champions Square, New Orleans, 8 p.m., $21-$46

LIL’ WEEZYANA FEST: LIL WAYNE AND FRIENDS! – Aug. 28, Bold Sphere Music at Champions Square, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $55$95

River Center Arena, Baton Rouge, various times, $12-$55

BUSTOUT BURLESQUE – Aug. 14, House of Blues, New Orleans, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., $22

LED ZEPPELIN TUNES PLUS VINTAGE BONERAMA – Aug. 14, Varsity Theatre, Baton Rouge, 9 p.m., $12

TRACY BYRD – Aug. 14, Texas Club, Baton Rouge, 9 p.m., $20

NEUROSIS WITH BROTHERS OF THE SONIC CLOTH AND IRON TONGUE – Aug. 15, House of Blues, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $25

24 August 2015

9730 E. MAIN ST., HOUMA; 985-872-5659

INCUBUS/DEFTONES 2015 TOUR – Aug. 16,

TAB BENOIT – Aug. 21, Varsity Theatre, Baton

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY PRESENTS BUILT TO AMAZE! – Aug. 13-16,

CAJUN COUNTRY EVENT CENTER

JESTER’S WALK

WITH OR WITHOUT YOU – TRIBUTE TO U2 –

Aug. 12, House of Blues, New Orleans, 7 p.m., $13

The Boyz (Aug. 5); Sheaux Down (Aug. 19); Revive (Aug. 26); Gary T (Aug. 26)

Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, 2 p.m., $15

Orleans, 8 p.m., $30

LISSIE PLUS TYLER LYLE – Aug. 9, House of

HIGH ROLLERS CASINO

7934 W. MAIN ST., HOUMA; 985-879-2453

Leon Barrilleaux (Aug. 2); Gary T (Aug. 9); Pot 2 La (Aug. 16); Highway 315 (Aug. 23); LA Roadhouse (Aug. 30)

– Aug. 21, House of Blues, New Orleans, 8 p.m. $12

8, Lava Cantina, Baton Rouge, 7 p.m., $44-$75

BRICKHOUSE

CONCERTS BAYOU DELIGHT Mr. Hue (Aug 1, 21, 22); Mr. Gene (Aug. 7, 8, 28, 29); Mr. Larry (Aug. 14, 15); 4038 BAYOU BLACK DRIVE, HOUMA; 985-876-4879

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

Reuben Rivera, Sean Trcalet (Aug. 1); Kip Sonnier (Aug. 7, 8, 14, 15, 22, 29); Two In Chamber (Aug. 8); Three37 (Aug. 15, 21,28); Reuben Rivera (Aug. 22, 29) 822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON;

Gilligan and the Gang (Aug. 6); Leon Barrilleaux (Aug. 13); Gary T (Aug. 20); Seabrook (Aug. 27)

JOLLY INN One man bands (Thursdays) Cajun bands (Fridays and Sundays) 1507 BARROW ST., HOUMA; 985-872-6114

800-284-4386

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/MR. LESTER’S STEAKHOUSE Josh Malagarie (Thursdays) Jean Paul Daine (Aug. 1); Steve Smith (Aug. 7, 8); Josh Malagarie (Aug. 21, 22, 28, 29); 822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON; 800-284-4386

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/LOCO Kip Sonnier (August 6 & 20); Reuben Rivera (Aug. 13); Cory Landry (Aug. 27) 822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON; 800-284-4386

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/PAVILLION Brian McKnight (Aug 1) SOLD OUT; Irma Thomas (Aug. 14); Clarence Carter (Aug. 21); Collective Soul (Aug. 22)

LA CARRETA Jonny & Cassie (Aug. 6, 20); Jonny & Sid (Aug. 13, 27) 1327 ST. CHARLES ST., HOUMA; 985-876-0830

LA CASA DEL SOL Jam Night (Aug. 4); Absinthe Minded (Aug. 7); Buddy Benoit (Aug. 14); Bang Bang (Aug. 21); Sid & Jonny (Aug. 28) 141 WESTOVER DRIVE, THIBODAUX; 985-446-2576

PIAZZA BAR/PEPPERS Clustafunk (Aug. 1); Steve Junot (Aug. 6, 20); Velvet Sky (Aug. 7); Souled Out (Aug. 8); Kerry Thibodaux (Aug. 13, 27); Pulp Friction (Aug. 14); Blue Eyed Soul Review (Aug. 15); Voodoo Bayou (Aug. 21); Flesh Carnival (Aug. 22); Reaux Shambo (Aug. 28); The Vibe (Aug. 29) 541 CORPORATE DRIVE, HOUMA; 985-872-0006

822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON; 800-284-4386

SILVERADO CLUB

CYPRESS BAYOU CASINO/ROX

Gary T (Aug. 1) Highway 315 (Aug. 4, 22); Pot 2 La (Aug. 8, 18); Tet Dur (Aug. 11, 25, 29); LA Roadhouse Band (Aug. 15)

DJ Bobby Novosad & Club 9-4–5 (Saturdays); Todd O’Neill (Aug. 1); The Molly Ringwalds (Aug. 8); Frank Foster (Aug. 14); Wayne Toups (Aug. 22); 822 MARTIN LUTHER KING ROAD, CHARENTON; 800-284-4386

DOWNTOWN LIVE Sheaux Down (Aug. 28) DOWNTOWN HOUMA COURTHOUSE

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

VINO! Bandit! (Aug. 1); Open jam (Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25) Steve Junot (Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26); Absinthe Minded (Aug. 6, 20, 27); Todd Adams (Aug. 7, 12, 21, 28); Tommy Thibodaux (Aug. 13); Nashville South (Aug. 15); Southern Cross (Aug. 22); Epic (Aug. 29) 656 CORPORATE DRIVE, HOUMA; 985-856-6664

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25

Arts

BRT TACKLES MENTAL ILLNESS

ext to Normal” netted three Tony Awards in 2009 – including Best Musical Score – and the Pulitzer Prize in 2010.

This month, Theatre Baton Rouge’s City Series performs the play Aug 7-16. The work of Brian Yorkey (book and lyrics) and Tom Kitt (music), the story offers an unflinching look at the effects mental illness have on the Goodmans, a suburban family.

On the surface, the Goodmans appear to be a normal American family. Dan Goodman (Jason Dowles) is an architect. He and his wife Diana (Marion Bienvenue) are the parents of two seemingly happy children, a daughter and son. But for 16 years, Diana has been battling manic depression.

“Next to Normal” delves into the minds and hearts of each character. The play tackles everyday issues – grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry and today’s suburban life.

“N

TICKETS ARE $29, ADULTS; $20, STUDENTS. CALL 225-924-6496.

26 August 2015

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27

Arts

USING THE LIBRARY OPEN HOUSE AUG. 13

Explore features and services of the library and participate in a family scavenger hunt. Refreshments will be served.

GHEENS BRANCH, 4:30 P.M.

AT THE LIBRARY

MEET AND GREET B.J. BOURG AUG. 15

Local author B.J. Bourg will visit the library for a book signing. He is the author of “Absent of the Soul,” “James 516,” “The Seventh Taking,” “Alive into Hell” and “The EX Factor.”

LOCKPORT BRANCH, 2 P.M.

THIBODAUX SONGWRITERS’ CLUB MUSIC PRESENTATION AUG. 15

Members of the Thibodaux Songwriters’ Club will perform for the public for two hours.

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 2 P.M. - 4 P.M.

MOMMY & ME ZUMBA AUG. 21

LAFOURCHE PARISH

Moms and kids of all ages are invited to the first “Mommy & Me Zumba” class. The class is free and no registration is required. Zumba is an exercise activity based on dancing. Water will be provided.

ZUMBA EVERY THURSDAY IN AUGUST

Exercise with others at the library.

CROCHET CLASS EVERY SATURDAY IN AUGUST

BAYOU BLUE BRANCH, 5 P.M.

Learn the fundamentals of crocheting.

NAIL ART

SOUTH LAFOURCHE BRANCH, 10 A.M.

AUG. 6

HARRY POTTER DAY

Learn how to create tiny works of art on your nails or create the ombre effect using nail polish.

Sign up at the library.

AUG. 3

Enjoy Book Lover’s Day with Harry Potterthemed events and activities throughout the day.

BAYOU BLUE BRANCH

BAYOU BLUE BRANCH, 5 P.M.

AUG. 4

CROCHET WITH CHARLOTTE AUG. 25

LEGO MANIA AUG. 17

ANIME FUN DAY AUG. 10

HI, CAJUN CAT

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 11 A.M.

Children and teens ages 12 and up can play Pokemon and learn to draw in the anime style.

Children ages 6 and up can create a LEGO-themed craft, build with LEGOS and watch a LEGO movie. Sign up at the library..

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 4 P.M.

Thanks to a grant from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, children and teens ages 5-16 can take part in a hands-on workshop where they’ll learn about art and the artist who brings it to life and create original “Curious Cajun Cats.” Call ahead to register.

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 4 P.M.

CHOCTAW BRANCH, 2 P.M.

LOCKPORT BRANCH, 5 P.M.

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

LEGO ROBOTICS

AUG. 5

AUG. 12

Interested in finding information about your family tree? Attend this workshop and learn basic research tools.

Children ages 8-18 can build and program machines using LEGO Robotics. Sign up at the library.

LOCKPORT BRANCH, 10:30 A.M.

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 4 P.M.

WALK AWAY THE POUNDS

CUTTIN’ UP SCRAPBOOKING

EVERY THURSDAY IN AUGUST

AUG. 13 AND 18

Exercise with others at the library.

Teens and adults can work on their own layout.

Some supplies will be provided.

Participants in grades K-fifth will learn to use their library efficiently through a fun scavenger hunt. Prizes will be awarded.

LAROSE BRANCH, 1 P.M. - 6:45 P.M.

CHOCTAW BRANCH, 4:30 P.M.

BAYOU BLUE BRANCH, 4:30 P.M.

28 August 2015

COUPONING 101

STORYTIME: “CUPCAKE” AUG. 17

AUG. 11

Mini-cupcakes will be served while supplies last.

Pick up coupons and savings skills while helping overseas military families.

GHEENS BRANCH, 4:30 P.M.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY INTEREST MEETING AUG. 17

Want to help out your library? Learn more at the Friends of the Library interest meeting. Refreshments will be served.

Come crochet at the library. Basic levels of crocheting will be taught, but more advanced crocheters are welcome.

LOCKPORT BRANCH, 10:30 A.M.

GLOBAL ART TAKES CRAFT AUG. 27

Discover Italy, its culture and language, and end with a Vential Glass art craft.

LOCKPORT BRANCH, 4 P.M.

LEGO ROBOTICS AUG. 29

Children ages 8-18 can build and program machines using LEGO Robotics.

THIBODAUX BRANCH, 10 A.M.

AROUND THE WORLD SCRAPBOOKING AUG. 29

Create a scrapbook or journal page with an Italian theme.

BAYOU BLUE BRANCH, 5 P.M.

LOCKPORT BRANCH, 2 P.M.

USING YOUR LIBRARY SCAVENGER HUNT

HOMEWORK & RESEARCH HELP

AUG. 19

AUG. 31

Start the school year off right. Parents and students will be shown free databases to use for school projects and homework help.

CHOCTAW BRANCH, 2:30 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.

TERREBONNE PARISH MOVIE MONDAYS AUG. 3

Teens and young adults are welcome to an afternoon viewing of “The Maze Runner.”

NORTH BRANCH, 2:30 P.M.

TEEN WRITERS GROUP AUG. 3 AND 19

Teens can attend a peer-led group where they can bring something they’ve written to share with the group, or just bring their best story ideas.

NORTH BRANCH, 4:30 P.M.

OIL PAINTING WITH GAIL LECOMPTE EVERY TUESDAY IN AUGUST

Registration is required, with a limited class of 20. Paintings take a full month.

DULARGE BRANCH, 10 A.M.

THINKING OUT LOUD BOOK DISCUSSION AUG. 4

Adult group will discuss “Station 11” by Emily St. John Mandel.

MAIN BRANCH, 6:30 P.M.

ADULT PAINTING CLASS AUG. 6, 13 AND 20

Learn to paint a beautiful magnolia on canvas with professional painting instructor Helen Robichaux. Space is limited. Call 985-868-3050 to register.

CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP FOR TEENS: FICTION

NORTH BRANCH, 9:30 A.M.

AUG. 13 AND 27

Learn alongside other teens the art and technique of creative writing. This hour-long program will emphasize literary craft as well as the dedicated practice of peer review and revision.

NATIVE AMERICAN BASKETRY EVERY FRIDAY IN AUGUST

Explore Native American culture by learning this traditional craft. Be sure to bring a large bath towel.

ACT PREP WITH PRINCETON REVIEW AUG. 29

High school students can prepare themselves for the ACT by learning study skills and taking practice tests.

MAIN BRANCH, 9 A.M.

INTRODUCTION TO EBOOKS

MAIN BRANCH, 6:30 P.M.

Come to the library to learn about our eBook services. Bring your Kindle, iPad, smartphone or other e-reading device. Be sure to also bring your library card to access the materials.

BETWEEN THE LINES WRITING CLUB

MAIN BRANCH, 7 P.M.

MAIN BRANCH, 4 P.M.

LEGO CLUB

DATABASE TUTORIAL FOR RESEARCH PAPERS

YOU SHOULD BE WRITING: CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS

Join us for free-form LEGO building. Baby blocks will also be available. We are also accepting donations of unwanted LEGOs to add to our collection!

Teens and young adults can learn to utilize online research databases such as Access on Demand, Britannica eBooks and World Book eBooks.

This workshop aims to get you writing with exercise and peer discussion rather than critiques.

Attendees must be 18 or older and must come ready to write.

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

NORTH BRANCH, 3 P.M.

DULAC BRANCH, 4:30 P.M.

MAIN BRANCH, 7 P.M.

MAIN BRANCH, 3 P.M.

DULAC BRANCH, 11 A.M.

FAMILY MOVIE AUG. 8

Children and parents are welcome to an afternoon viewing of “Annie.”

AUG. 12

NORTH BRANCH, 2 P.M.

AUG. 10 AND 24

AUG. 13

Children between grades 4th-6th are welcome to join our writing club. Each month we will complete a new fun writing challenge.

AUG. 26

HOW TO DRAW MANGA AUG. 29

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29

Arts

AMERICA’S WARTIME SWEETHEARTS: A TRIBUTE TO THE ANDREW SISTERS AUG. 5 & 19

The Victory Belles perform as 1940’s harmony singers, LaVerne, Patty and Maxine Andrews.

NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM, STAGE DOOR CANTEEN, 945 MAGAZINE ST., NEW ORLEANS. 504-528-1944. ($40, INCLUDES MATINEE BUFFET)

ALL THINGS SHAKESPEARE AUG. 6-9

As part of the New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane, high school students perform under the guidance of theatre professionals and educators. This process culminates in a staged production, highlighting Shakespearean scenes and soliloquies.

LUPIN THEATRE AT TULANE, 104 DIXON HALL, TULANE. EDU. $15-$25.

HOT BOX OF CRAZY AUG. 7-9, 14-16

Features a crazy mix of songs, familiar hits and brand new originals that will have audiences tapping their toes.

MID CITY THEATRE, 3540 TOULOUSE ST., NEW ORLEANS. MIDCITYTHEATRE.WORDPRESS.COM 504-488-1460. ($20)

THEATER PTERODACTYLS AUG. 1

A bitter, black comedy about family, decay, denial, communication, disease, and dinosaurs, Pterodactyls focuses on the doomed Duncan family including the lush matriarch, hypochondriac daughter, and distant father all reacting to the return of their son. Partnering with Rockfire Theatre, Stephen Eckert will direct the piece with an emphasis on the humor of family dysfunction and denial.

OLD MARQUER THEATRE, 2400 ST. CLAUDE, NEW ORLEANS. OLDMARQUER.COM. 504-298-8676.

THE PRODUCERS THROUGH AUG. 2

A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history, thereby, bilking their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only one thing goes awry; the show is a smash hit!

THIBODAUX PLAYHOUSE, 1120 CAROLINE ST, THIBODAUX. THIBODAUXPLAYHOUSE.COM/.

985-446-1896. ($15, STUDENTS; $20, ADULTS)

30 August 2015

PETER PAN

THE BOOK OF LIZ

The timeless Broadway musical performed by adults, for anyone who never grew up. This play will delight anyone who loves pirates, fairies, children and, most of all, musicals.

Amy and David Sedaris is about Sister Elizabeth Donderstock, an ex-nun adjusting to the outside world and her new identity as Liz.

RIVERTOWN THEATERS, 325 MINOR ST., KENNER.

NEW ORLEANS. 504-638-6326. ($20)

THROUGH AUG. 2

THROUGH AUG. 15

THE THEATRE AT ST. CLAUDE, 1030 MARIGNY ST.,

RIVERTOWNTHEATERS.COM 504-461-9475. ($32-$37)

HELLO, DOLLY! THROUGH AUG. 2

Hello, Dolly! is a musical with lyrics and music by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder’s 1938 farce The Merchant of Yonkers, which Wilder revised and retitled The Matchmaker in 1955.

SUMMER LYRIC THEATER AT TULANE. 104 DIXON HALL,

KINGDOM OF EARTH THROUGH AUG. 15

The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans presents its first production, Williams’ drama about two brothers on a Mississippi farm.

ST. CHARLES AVENUE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 6200 ST. CHARLES AVE., NEW ORLEANS, WWW.TWTHEATRENOLA.COM. 504-899-6301. ($20)

NEW ORLEANS. TULANE.EDU/LIBERAL-ARTS/THEATRE-DANCE/ 504-865-5269.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR. THROUGH AUG. 2

SHAKESPEARE’S STAR WARS: THE JEDI DOTH RETURN AUG. 1 & 8

A tale as old as time, this Disney story about true beauty will delight people of all ages.

Spotlights the third part of the “Star Wars” saga in Shakespearean language. Audiences are encouraged to dress in “Star Wars” garb.

JEFFERSON PERFORMING ARTS SOCIETY, 1118 CLEAR-

PLAYMAKERS

VIEW PKWY, METAIRIE. JPAS.ORG/. 504-885-2000. ($10-$18)

SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY: BIG BANDS OF WWII AUG. 8 & 22

The Victory Belles perform as 1940s harmony singers, LaVerne, Patty and Maxine Andrews.

NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM, STAGE DOOR CANTEEN, 945 MAGAZINE ST., NEW ORLEANS. 504-528-1944. ($30-$65)

OPERATIC DRINKING SONGS AUG. 12

Bon Operatit, a well-seasoned trio of classical singers, serve up a perfect pairing of opera and musical theatre hits that are sure to invigorate the senses – from Verdi to Puccini.

•

FOUR POINTS SHERATON, 616 GIROD ST., NEW ORLEANS. FREE

HAVE AN ITEM FOR GUMBO’S SEPTEMBER ISSUE? FORWARD THE DETAILS – who, what, when, where and cost, along with a daytime contact number – to: EDITOR@GUMBOGUIDE.COM.

Arts FOR YOUR BRAIN

NEW ON DVD

‘DANNY COLLINS’ PACINO’S ROCKER FLICK MORE THAN A REDEMPTION TALE STARS: Al Pacino; Annette Bening; Jennifer Garner; Bobby Cannavale; Christopher Plummer

DIRECTOR:

The objective of sudoku is to enter a digit from 1 through 9 in each cell, in such a way that each horizontal row, vertical column, and subgrid or region contains each digit exactly once.

FOR THE GAMERS

RORY MCILROY PGA TOUR MAKES A BOGEY ith Tiger Woods’ career a complete mess, EA Sports decided to halt its golf gaming series for a year to lick its wounds.

It announced about six months ago that the series would resume and the Rory McIlroy PGA Tour would be born – a game built around the skills of the young, dominant European golfer.

So in the spirit of summertime – the peak of the PGA Tour season – I picked up a demo copy of this inaugural title and decided to give it a twirl.

About three hours and 150 or so holes of golf later, my mind was made up. This game is a bogey – one of the worst sports titles that I’ve picked up this year.

When dealing with golf games, the formula is pretty simple. Provide basic, easy-to-learn game play, give gamers an abundance of courses and have plenty well-known golfers to pick from.

This title does none of the three.

The game-play controls aren’t overly difficult, but there are too many options to pick from. The real problem is that there is such little grey area and such little wiggle room. The “basic” controls are too easy to use and make the game bland. The “hard” controls turn simple golfing to brain surgery. No one wins.

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But the real bummer is the lack of courses and competitors.

When the Tiger Woods PGA Tour series was at its peak, gamers could literally play the game for weeks without going through all of the characters and courses.

This game has just half the courses that the final Tiger Woods game had. It also has just a quarter of the total players.

I didn’t mind the title, and I played it for a cool three hours without blinking an eye.

But I am a golf junkie.

The rest of the world is not.

This game does little to attract the common fan.

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Dan Fogelman

AVAILABLE: Home DVD in most outlets and on-demand cable; Coming soon to Redbox

shall admit up front that I had reservations about viewing “Danny Collins,” Al Pacino’s latest starring vehicle. The Oscar winner who played Michael Corleone and Tony Montana – by far not his only brilliant performances – has made films in recent years that despite his own best efforts have been mildly disappointing.

My fears were that a picture about an aging musical star trying to re-discover his roots might lend itself too easily to clichés, and suck the life out of whatever Pacino might have contributed in his performance.

Luckily, the fears were groundless.

Pacino gives a perfect performance as Danny Collins, a one-time singing, song-writing prodigy who sells out for the dollar to pop schlock. Collins thrills olderthan-middle-aged women at well-attended concerts that support a continued drugand-booze infused existence.

The star is given a letter written to him 40 years before but which he never received, personally signed and written by the late John Lennon, with some advice on how to keep his art intact and build into a greater success.

The letter is too much, too little and obviously too late. Or is it?

The performer does an about-face of major proportion, initially winning no praise in the process, to the pain and puzzlement of his long-time manager, artfully played

by Christopher Plummer.

Plummer and the other supporting cast members successfully breathe new life into the film at key junctures, just when you might think it couldn’t be done.

But the glue that holds it all together is Pacino, using the tools that define his greatness. Pacino’s Danny Collins is a believable and likeable rogue.

That Pacino shines is not a surprise, making clear that this role could not have been more perfectly portrayed by any other star-level actor.

I

Bobby Cannavale’s performance, as the superstar Collins’ long-lost son, is an unexpected treat, evinces a casting coup.

Known for gangster and cop roles on television and a handful of well-done cinematic roles, Cannavale ratchets his character’s conflicting emotions with precision.

The emotional give-and-take between Cannavale and Pacino make for memorable moments, and perfect chemistry.

Dan Fogelman wrote and directed the movie, inspired by a true story about British folk performer Steve Tilston. The stories of Tilston and Danny Collins part ways with the former’s receipt – long after Lennon’s tragic death – of a letter from the Liverpool bard. But the ensuing story woven by Fogelman is one of those tantalizing “what-if” tales.

Viewers can enjoy this feature film so long as they agree to go along for the ride, a decision made easy by the performances of Pacino, Cannavale and other members of the cast.

It is tempting to question what this story might have been like in the hands of a director with bigger chops than Fogelman, perhaps greater scope in location shots and splashier views of Collins’ embarrassing has-been concerts. The late Sydney Pollack comes to mind, in particular because of his brilliant, if under-appreciated, direction of Pacino in the nearly-lost cinematic gem “Bobby Deerfield” – a character study to be sure but of a very different flavor and tone.

But Fogelman uses the touch the story requires, never heavy-handed, certainly well scaled, and rich in cinematic detail.

“Danny Collins” is very good movie, not a great one. Its conclusion leaves room for meditation and thought, and a sense that the time viewing has been well-spent.

gumboguide.com

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31

Arts

GO SET A WATCHMAN:

ATTICUS WITHOUT TEARS

is rare that publication of a simple novel will set off a firestorm of controversy that continues even now, weeks after its official release.

But “Go Set A Watchman” is no ordinary novel and Harper Lee is no ordinary author.

The issues that swirl around “Go Set A Watchman” have little to do with the story-craft involved, or the various (often bumpy) plot twists. They are not – as was the case with Alexandra Ripley’s unfortunate “Scarlet,” the sequel to Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone With the Wind” – concerned with how a stranger mangled and hypothesized the doings and development of beloved classic characters chiseled into the public’s mind by screen legends.

It was easy to trash Ripley’s sacrilege.

“Go Set A Watchman,” however, has such a unique genesis that comparisons to any other literary event are impossible.

The firestorm of publicity has made easy one aspect of the critic’s role, to serve as a Sherpa of sorts without giving away spoiler details. It is no secret at this point that the Atticus Finch of “Go Set A Watchman” is, in a key respect, at odds with the character of the same name in “To Kill A Mockingbird,” a word about which is needed.

In “To Kill A Mockingbird,” as almost every high school student knows, the erstwhile country lawyer is a man of tireless principle and homespun wisdom who stands up for justice and a certain form of equality. Atticus defends the falsely accused Tom Robinson in a sensational rape case, simply because everyone is entitled to the best defense possible.

Atticus, in TKAM, would never in anyone’s wildest dreams be a supporter of Jim Crow, an opponent of desegregation and trash-talker in matters concerning the NAACP. But he appears as these things in GSAW, and further shall not be uttered for fear of trapesing into spoiler territory.

In case you live under a rock, here’s the background on this newly released book.

It was written by Harper Lee before TKAM; The first-time author was told to go home and re-write her offering by an editor, and the novel that won the Pulitzer Prize emerged as TKAM. GSAW was shelved, until its recent mind-bending reappearance more than a half-century later.

It

32 August 2015

The voice of Harper Lee, her texture and turn-ofphrase, are all unmistakably present. The literary DNA doesn’t lie. The voice of Scout – Jean Louise Finch – is clear and strong despite the third person, omniscient narration.

Certain key characters are not so fortunate. Some were aborted; others, Atticus among them, have expanded roles or have appeared into thin air, not surviving Lee’s transition once she penned TKAM. Those who do appear, like Scout, are unmistakably real, and thus are the mark of a successful spinner of stories.

The secret to appreciating and enjoying GSAW is to attempt reading in a vacuum. The characters must be accepted on the author’s terms, and an understanding that they exist within their own space and time is crucial.

There must be no attempt to plumb the author’s psyche or motives in light of the more familiar work.

Doing so would be maddening as trying to figure out a system to Roulette, or some such other folly.

Standing on its own, GSAW is an embodiment of the paradox that is the American South, where a race may be despised but not the individual of that race.

It is not a question of whether this is right or wrong – and Miss Jean Louise, through her narrator, keeps our moral compass true.

In some ways there is purity in the honesty of GSAW, an attempt not to tell us a story of how things should be, but rather how they are, particularly in the tale’s specific time and place.

WHAT ARE YOU READING? BRIGID LABORIE GRAY

SO YOU’VE BEEN PUBLICLY SHAMED

BY JON RONSON

“He actually goes around and interviews a bunch of people who have basically had their lives destroyed by being shamed on the Internet, like the woman who was on the plane who made that awful Twitter joke about AIDS. He talks about an author who plagiarized something and denied it and the Internet basically destroyed him over it.”

“He talks about basically the ethics of shaming people on the Internet and how that can permanently destroy their lives and how much worse it is with social media today. I think it raises some interesting questions about how people conduct themselves online.”

MEREDITH LEBLANC THERIOT

BEAUTIFUL YOU

BY CHUCK PALAHNIUK

“So far, I know that it’s about an intern at a big law firm in Manhattan. I just picked it up because it’s by Chuck Palahniuk. He is an extremely interesting author. He writes things that really make you think. He wrote ‘Fight Club.’”

As earlier mentioned, the word that best describes the storyline itself is “bumpy.” It is not so fluid as might be hoped, and requires additional work on the reader’s part.

But overall the work is worth it. As a commentary on the time in which it was written, as the story of a young woman facing – much as the reader who can’t remove Gregory Peck’s stunning performance of Atticus in the TKAM movie from the mind – disillusionment and disappointment in someone she loves and admires, the book works.

And in some ways it is more of a commentary on our own times than TKAM ever could be.

There are great differences between ideals and realities. In the only two known published works of Harper Lee, we now, as readers, appear to be gifted with both.

•

PAM HARRIS HOUMA

PSYCHOPATHS AND LOVE

BY A. B. ADMIN

“I was interested in how men can actually come up with any kind of lie for no reason at all. They do it because they don’t have a feeling of love and it could come from abuse. I love to read and I try to figure out people a lot. It just so happened that I ran into this one individual that seemed like he was a manipulator and when I tried to tell him that, he said, ‘Why would you say that?’ That just made me want to read up on it.”

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gumboguide.com

33

Arts

BAYOU PLAYHOUSE

ANNOUNCES 8TH SEASON LINEUP

ayou Playhouse released its lineup for Season 8, and the Lockport theatre looks to continue to shine the spotlight on Louisiana playwrights.

The four-show season opens this month with “Rising Water,” by John Biguenet. Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” runs in November and December.

Watch for “Waiting Around” – music by Harry Mayronne Jr. and book and lyrics

by Ricky Graham – in February 2016, and “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee in May 2016.

After tackling the musical version of Dickens’ work, director Perry Martin and

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34 August 2015

company launch into “Waiting Around,” a comedic musical about waiting tables in the French Quarter. It recently played off-Broadway.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 1-888-99-BAYOU (22968).

The season ends with “To Kill a Mockingbird,” based on the southern, Pulitzer Prize and Oscar Award-winning classic.

Season tickets are available and begin at $89.

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gumboguide.com

35

Outdoors

PREP FOOTBALL SEASON A HIT IN HOUMA-THIBODAUX AREA

Nicholls in the offseason.

But Tigers coach Chris Dugas has said multiple times throughout the offseason that he thinks his team has plenty left in its locker room to compete.

Thibodaux will be heavily tested this season, facing St. Charles, East Ascension, South Lafourche and St. Aug in non-district play. They’ll also play Hahnville, Destrehan and East St. John inside of district.

NEW FISH IN CLASS 4A POND

ometime in August, several thousand teens will lazily slumber into high school halls in the Houma-Thibodaux area – still tired from all of the thrills that the summer of 2015 brought with it.

About three weeks later when everyone is settled into the daze that students like to call the beginning of a new school year, it’ll be time for something a tad more exciting.

It’ll be time for some football.

Preparations for the 2015 prep football season will be going on at the practice fields of our local high schools throughout August in anticipation for the new season.

Sure, the games don’t officially kick off until early September, but the sport will be heavily in the minds of sports fans throughout the month as scrimmages, jamborees and dozens of practices are taking place.

The 2015 season looks to be loaded with

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36 August 2015

storylines, and several locals have high hopes.

Here are a few things to keep a close eye on as all of the madness unfolds.

WILL THE TIGERS REMAIN KING OF THE JUNGLE?

For the past few seasons, Thibodaux High School has had a dominant football team.

The Tigers finished 6-4 in 2013 and reached the opening round of the Class 5A State Playoffs. One year later, Thibodaux built on that success and were a force, recording a 9-1 regular season mark with the only loss coming against state powerhouse Destrehan.

Thibodaux lost a few stalwarts off last year’s team, including quarterback Peyton Bonvillain, who signed a scholarship with

During the 2014 Louisiana High School Athletic Association meetings, schools throughout the state submitted enrollment numbers so that new district battle lines could be drawn.

For most schools, the process is rubber-stamping, as most things usually stay relatively unchanged.

But for South Lafourche High School, the process gave the Tarpons a new home.

Because of a small dip in admissions at the Galliano-based school, the Tarpons dropped from Class 5A to Class 4A – a move that makes the school one of the biggest 4A programs in Louisiana.

Instead of facing bears like Hahnville, Destrehan and East St. John in district play, South Lafourche will now compete in a district with schools much closer to its size – programs like South Terrebonne, Vandebilt, Assumption and Morgan City.

The Tarpons have several players returning from last year’s squad, which reached the Class 5A State Playoffs. With returnees like quarterback Harvey Allen, receiver Shakerrin Dillon, halfback Jacob Jackson

and several other playmakers, many are expecting South Lafourche to make a run for the Superdome in 2015.

CAN MINTON FINALLY GET HIS RING?

Longtime prep football coach Tommy Minton has come close to the State Championships many times in his career.

In 2015, Minton will try to break the ice and earn his first ring.

A longtime playoff hopeful as the head coach at Patterson, Minton is now entering his second go-round at Central Catholic in Morgan City.

In Minton’s first season, the Eagles were pretty darned good, posting a 9-3 record, which included a trip to the Division IV State Quarterfinals.

With a full set of spring practices and a full summer to improve the team’s skill and conditioning, one can easily expect Central Catholic to be back in a big way this fall.

Minton won’t stop his quest until he has a ring resting comfortably on his finger.

CAN CCA TAKE THE NEXT LEAP?

The Covenant Christian Academy football team has steadily risen through the Class 1A ranks in recent years. Now, they’re hungry to break the ice and win championships.

The Lions were the No. 11-seed in Division IV last year, the classification for private schools with Class 1A-sized enrollment.

CCA coach Randy Boquet is entering his second season with the local private school, and he thinks his team can make a giant leap forward this year.

Perhaps, the Lions can imitate the school’s baseball team, which overcame a couple years of playoff shortcomings and reached the Class 1A State Semifinals this past spring.

CCA returns quarterback Marquil Dai gle and athlete Dylan Sharpe, as well as several musclemen on the offensive and defensive lines.

SAINTS WANT REBOUND SEASON WHAT WILL MELVIN DO?

The coaching carousel didn’t spin too much in the offseason, and just one new coach was hired at our area’s 11 high schools.

That would be H.L. Bourgeois head coach Carey Melvin, who took over the Braves program after outgoing coach Daron Franklin resigned to be closer to his family in New Orleans.

Melvin has big shoes to fill, as Franklin was widely considered to have done a good job with H.L. Bourgeois’ program, turning the team from a last-place program into one that won two games this past fall and was competitive in several others.

The Braves return a lot of players from last year’s squad, including halfback Ritney Coleman, who is expected to be one of the best playmakers in the area.

But Melvin does land with H.L. Bourgeois with a decorated pedigree as an assistant coach, and it was almost inevitable that he’d eventually become a head coach.

Melvin was the defensive coordinator for Thibodaux for the past several seasons, anchoring and spearheading a group that was among the best in our area.

CAN ELLENDER’S PLAYMAKERS SHINE UNDER FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS?

Ellender’s football team had a huge summer.

The challenge is now to parlay that success into the fall.

The Patriots had a lot of success in the summer season, defeating some of the top programs in Louisiana in 7-on-7 competition.

Ellender finished as the runners-up at the prestigious LSU 7-on-7 tournament, defeating Warren Easton, Karr and McMain.

With quarterback Curtis Anderson back and a slew of receivers, including Richard Green, the Patriots will enter the fall with a lot of momentum.

•

he New Orleans Saints’ 2014-15 season was a wreck.

But with an offseason to polish the team’s roster through the NFL Draft and free agency, there are plenty reasons to hope that this fall will be better.

A lot has changed for the Saints since the team played its final game last season, and many of its longtime players are now playing for other teams.

Out are big names like Jimmy Graham, Curtis Lofton, Kenny Stills and Pierre Thomas. But in are two first-round draft picks, All-Pro center Max Unger, halfback C.J. Spiller and elite defensive back Brandon Browner – new blood that General Manager Mickey Loomis thinks will take the team back to the pinnacle of the NFL. “We like what we were able to do this offseason,” Loomis said to a pool of reporters in a post-NFL Draft interview.

“We had to make some tough decisions with some guys, but I think we were able to fill some holes that we had and put ourselves in a position to be a more complete, well-rounded team.”

Offensively, the Saints have a lot of new faces. But one constant remains: quarterback Drew Brees.

Brees is back in 2015 after posting another solid season last fall. The veteran quarterback is entering his 10th season in New Orleans after completing 456-of-659 passes for 4,952 yards, 33 touchdowns and 17 interceptions this past season.

The talk around some in NFL circles is that Brees, 36, is slowing down a tad, because his 2014 numbers weren’t quite as good as they once were.

But the quarterback said he thinks he has a lot left in the tank. Brees said he expects 2015 to be a big year for both him and the team.

“I have a lot left to accomplish,” Brees said. “A lot of the goals that I set for myself are still in front of me.”

To reach those goals, Brees will have to win with new weapons.

In the running game, Mark Ingram is back, but Thomas was cut to make room for C.J. Spiller – a dynamic halfback who

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can both run and catch out of the backfield.

In the passing game, Graham was traded to Seattle, but 2014 rookie Brandin Cooks is healthy and ready to make a jump to superstardom.

On the lines, New Orleans landed Unger when it traded Graham. The team also drafted massive offensive tackle Andrus Peat in the first-round of the NFL Draft.

Assuming that the Saints will be able to score points at their normal clip, the pressure then falls to the team’s defense to generate stops and force turnovers.

That’s where the team’s made the biggest overhaul.

New Orleans used the No. 31 overall pick of the NFL Draft on Clemson linebacker Stephone Anthony – a young man who is expected to provide the Saints with speed and pass rushing ability.

In the second-round of the draft, the Saints also picked up Washington linebacker Hau’Oli Kikaha, who was a tackle machine in college.

Add those guys to a free agent crop that netted New Orleans a top-flight cornerback like Browner, and the Saints expect to be better equipped to keep opponents out of the end zone when the season rolls around.

“We were near the bottom in almost every stat on defense last year,” safety Kenny Vaccaro said in the offseason. “We’ve been challenged and we want to turn that around. We’ve made some moves and have fixed some things up. I think we’re in a position to be one of the best defenses in the league.”

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NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 2015-16 SCHEDULE Cardinals, 3:05 p.m.

SEPT. 13

AT

SEPT. 20

VS. Bucs, noon

SEPT. 27

AT

OCT. 4

VS. Cowboys, 7:30 p.m.

OCT. 11

AT

OCT. 15

VS. Falcons, 7:25 p.m.

OCT. 25

AT

NOV. 1

VS. Giants, noon

NOV. 8

VS. Titans, noon

NOV. 15

AT

Redskins, noon

NOV. 22

–

BYE WEEK

NOV. 29

AT

DEC. 6 DEC. 13 DEC. 21 DEC. 27 JAN. 3

Panthers, noon Eagles, noon Colts, noon

Texans, noon VS. Panthers, noon AT Bucs, noon VS. Lions, 7:30 p.m.

VS. Jaguars, noon AT Falcons, noon

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37

Outdoors

HERCULES RODEO SET TO PAY MORE THAN $12K

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE KREWE OF HERCULES’ WEBSITE AT WWW.KREWEOFHERCULES.COM.

OTHER RODEOS IN AUGUST

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hroughout the month of August, anglers are busy taking advantage of the final precious summer months. Here are other rodeos set for August in the area.

he Krewe of Hercules is always one of the liveliest and action-packed Mardi Gras parades in the Houma-Thibodaux area.

They can put on one heck of a fishing rodeo, as well – one of the top inshore events in the community.

The Hercules Festival on the Bayou and Fishing Rodeo will take place from Aug. 7-9 at the Agriculture Pavilion at the Houma Airbase.

With several categories throughout saltwater and freshwater divisions and cash prizes totaling $12,575, the annual event is

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38 August 2015

always a hit, according to event organizers.

“It’s a good time,” Dwayne Boudoin said.

“Folks come out, and usually enjoy themselves. It’s a weekend filled with good, clean family fun.”

The fishing is, of course, a huge draw with $1,000 cash prizes being awarded to winners in redfish (greater than 27 inches), redfish (smaller than 27 inches) and also five-red stringer. A cash prize of $800 is paid out to the biggest largemouth bass, and money is also awarded to winners in every other weighed category, as well.

But the event is called a “festival on

the bayou,” because of its wide array of opportunities for family fun. Throughout the weekend, live music will be played, including Water’s Edge on Friday night, Tet Dur on Saturday afternoon and Ryan Foret and the Foret Tradition on Saturday night.

The event will also feature a live auction, a livestock rodeo and a jambalaya cook-off.

“Anyone can come to this and have a good time,” Boudoin said.

“It’s not limited to just fishermen or outdoorsmen. It’s an event for anyone who wants to pass a good time.”

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AUGUST EVENTS AUGUST 1 – Mike Bourgeois “Big Dad-

dy” Memorial Rodeo at Bridge Side Marina in Grand Isle AUGUST 6-8 – Boondoogle Rodeo at Bridge Side Marina AUGUST 6-8 – Terrebonne Sportsman’s

54th Annual International Fishing Rodeo at East Park Recreation Center in Houma AUGUST 15 – Ride the Bull Kayak Fishing Rodeo at Bridge Side Marina

Gumbo guru

ME-MAW’S CAJUN CUISINE

Wanna Go? ME-MAW’S CAJUN CUISINE

2600 N. Alex Plaisance Blvd., Golden Meadow 985-475-6353

ooking for an out-of-the-way, casual restaurant? A down-home place where everyone feels like a friend? And a place that cooks comfort dishes you crave?

Me-Maw’s Cajun Cuisine in Golden Meadow is just such a place.

Located at the line between Galliano and Golden Meadow – watch your speed; the Golden Meadow Police Department was issuing a ticket two doors down – Me-Maw’s dining area is spacious with tables for four situated about. The evening we visited, a family birthday gathering was keeping the waitresses busy. But they welcomed us on the spot and were quick to help us navigate Me-Maw’s five-page menu.

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To start the meal, we opted for Me-Maw’s Crab Au Gratin ($10.50), which came highly recommended, and Broccoli Bites ($8.50).

Accompanied by sliced French bread, the hot, cheesy au gratin included an ample amount of crab. Me-Maw’s has a great reputation for the dish, and we understand why. My only warning: pace yourself. It would be very easy to overdo the appetizer and not have room for the meal.

The broccoli dish included my favorite veggie surrounded in creamy cheese and bacon bits, battered and deep-fried.

Granted, I generally steam my broccoli, but dipped in Ranch dressing, this was a tasty way to go, too.

For dinner, my guests opted for MeMaw’s the Shrimp & Crab Fettuccine ($13.95), Chicken-Fried Steak ($12.95) and an assortment of boiled seafood, which is available by the pound. I enjoyed the day’s special, Hamburger Steak ($10.95).

The platters came with a choice of a baked potato or fries, salad and bread.

Torn between a soft shell crab dish and the fettuccine, our waitress provided the perfect solution – top the fettuccine

dish with crab, too.

My friend reported the dish was rich and creamy – a blend of Parmesan, maybe Velveeta or another cheese, butter and garlic with a sprinkle of parsley. And the seafood was fresh and fried to perfection.

Likewise, the steak was thick – too often restaurants short-shrift diners, serving a thinly fried portion of meat – and tender and coated with a crunchy crust.

The fresh seafood was also a winner, perfectly seasoned and straight from the pot.

Across the board, we were amazed at the ample serving sizes. There were plenty of to-go boxes by the meal’s end.

For dessert, my guests split a slice of strawberry-covered cheese cake. It, too, earned thumbs up.

The real star of the night, however, was our server, Tanya. Her bubbly personality and attentiveness to making sure guests enjoyed the evening made Me-Maw’s an instant favorite.

We barely scratched the surface of the menu, and are already planning a return trip.

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