Latest Issue: Jazz Fest 2023–Jazz Fest First Weekend

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Happy Jazz Fest. Enjoy this special issue packed with schedules, maps, and more that previews all the action with a particular focus on the First Weekend.

Our daily Jazz Fest picks include not only headliners, but other bands to catch who may not be on your radar. We also feature what to eat and which art vendors to visit to help you plan out a full day.

Don’t forget all of the great live music taking place at night. Our Night Show Picks include great acts playing at venues large and small, with genres ranging from hip hop to funk to rock.

Germaine Bazzle has been singing classic New Orleans jazz for decades. Ms. Bazzle turned 91 last month and shows no signs of slowing down. Don’t miss Dean Shapiro’s profile of this local treasure, and be sure to catch her at the Fair Grounds.

Other features include the ultimate history of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, how to Jazz Fest with kids, and more. And keep an eye out for our May Jazz Fest Weekend II issue—out just as the first weekend is wrapping up.

YEARS

Jazz Fest 2023

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig

Creative Director: Robert Witkowski

Executive Editor: Reine Dugas

Copy Editor: Donald Rickert

Movie Editors: David Vicari, Fritz Esker

Contributing Writers: Kathy Bradshaw, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Burke Bischoff, Julie Mitchell, Greg Roques, Sabrina Stone, Kimmie Tubre, Emily Hingle, Camille Barnett, Celeste Turner, Cynthea Corfah, Kevin Credo, Frances Deese, Brroke Adams, Joey Cirilo, Dean Shapiro

Cover Photo: Germaine Bazzle by Gustavo Escanelle

Director of Sales: Jim Sylve

Photographers and Designers: Gus Escanelle, Kim Ranjbar, Emily Hingle, Kathy Bradshaw, Robert Witkowski

Interns: Louis Ostrowski, Mercedes Ohlen, Arielle Gonzales, Caroline Markman

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BAZZLE DAZZLE

Germaine Bazzle is the Grand Dame of New Orleans Jazz

Live at Jazz Fest on Friday, April 28 WWOZ Jazz Tent | 2:50-3:50 p.m.

By Dean M. Shapiro

Jazz fans will recognize this catchy phrase and the scat style in which it is sung as a Duke Ellington composition from the early 1930s. It premiered in January 1932 with the Ellington big band accompanying singer Ivie Anderson and, soon afterward, it was made famous by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

Local jazz fans, however, will recognize it as the signature song of the woman known as “The First Lady of New Orleans Jazz,” Germaine Bazzle. Born in 1932, ironically the same year the song was first performed and recorded, Germaine has sung the song hundreds—perhaps even thousands—of times over a very long career.

And whenever she does, as she will very likely do at her upcoming Jazz Fest gig, she will give it her own distinct interpretation, further jazzing up the lyrics and the scat portions and sometimes even mimicking the sounds of horns with her unique

“It don’t mean a thing If it ain’t got that swing (Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah)”

Germaine Bazzle joined with Charlie Gabriel and friends at her 91st Birthday celebration at Snug Harbor

vocal dexterity. Her repertoire of other songs that she also performs live appears to be limitless.

Germaine Bazzle will be one of the headliners for opening day of this year’s New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival at the Fair Grounds Race Course on Friday, April 28. She will very likely be the oldest (or one of the oldest) performers among the hundreds scheduled to appear at the seven-day music and cultural event. She has been a regularly scheduled performer at nearly every Jazz Fest since it began in the early 1970s.

At ninety-plus years old and still singing, Germaine, for a brief time, thought she might have been over and done, according to other sources. In an article written by Keith Spera for the Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate in April of last year, Bazzle said that the pandemic was forcing her to retire, and she wasn’t envisioning making a comeback.

However, when asked to come up and perform at a Father’s Day event at which an old friend was playing piano, she didn’t hesitate. From that moment until the present, she knew that the word “retirement” was not in her vocabulary.

A long-time educator with over a 50-year teaching career, Bazzle has shared the stage as a featured performer with more luminaries than it is possible to list. A few of them include Lee Dorsey, Charles Brown, Red Tyler, Johnny Adams, Ellis and Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, and DeeDee Bridgewater. She has recorded two albums of her own in 1996 and 2018 and has been credited as a collaborator on more than a dozen other albums between 1962 and 2016.

Over the past 30 years, Bazzle has reaped multiple honors, including four Big Easy Awards from Gambit for Best Female Performer and two Best of the Beat Awards from OffBeat magazine for Best Contemporary Jazz Vocalist and Best Female Vocalist in 1996 and 1997, respectively. In 2015, Bazzle received OffBeat's prestigious Lifetime Achievement in Music Education Award.

when city officials proclaimed it “Germaine Bazzle Day.”

Bazzle was born in New Orleans and grew up in the city’s culturally rich 7th Ward. Coming from a musical family, she began playing the piano by ear at a young age. Her formal musical education began when she was 12 and enrolled at Xavier University’s Junior School of Music. Her earliest musical influences included Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billy Eckstine.

After graduating from Xavier University of Louisiana, Bazzle worked as a teacher, including many years as

choir director and music appreciation instructor at Xavier Prep. She retired from teaching in 2008 but continued her musical career, singing regularly with the Saint Louis Catholic Choir and the New World Ensemble, as well as in nightclubs throughout the city. She is also a supporter and faculty member of the annual Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong Jazz Camp held every summer for aspiring young musicians. Still performing today, she is a frequent headliner with her own backup band at Snug Harbor in the heart of the Frenchmen Street. Even as she turns 91 this month, Bazzle shows no sign of letting up, and the physical energy she emits from the stage is still there in full force. In her interview with Keith Spera prior to last year’s Jazz Fest, Bazzle acknowledged that if she had cut more records and was willing to go on tour, she might have had a lucrative full-time career as a singer. However, touring held no interest for her. She was content to stay at home in her beloved New Orleans, doing what she enjoyed most, teaching and performing locally for her legion of appreciative fans. In an interview with this writer in December 2018, as she was prepping for a Tricentennial tribute to Ellington’s “New Orleans Suite” composition and other New Orleans musical legends at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center, Bazzle was reminded that “You’ve had a very impressive career.”

Her humble and modest response was, “Oh, I don’t know about that. I just get up and go to work. I do this because it’s something I have the opportunity to do. And I love doing it.”

Germaine Bazzle will perform during the first weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell at 2:50 p.m. on Friday, April 28 in the WWOZ Jazz Tent.

JAZZ FEST ™

AN ULTIMATE HISTORY OF JAZZ FEST

JAZZ FEST

A Festival Personifying New Orleans Culture

During this time, you will find yourself longing for a variety of great music and dreaming of places called Congo Square. You’ll search for colorful images painted by New Orleans' most talented artists and hope to add to your Bayou Wear wardrobe. This fever happens around the same time each year and there’s only one cure—you must attend the city’s Jazz Festival.

With over five decades on the festival scene, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell is one of the most lucrative and anticipated festivals in the city. Bringing in about $300 million each year, the festival (locally nicknamed “Jazz Fest”) highlights a diversity of local culture, music, and food while also bringing in some of the biggest mainstream artists of the time. Today, we know Jazz Fest as a major festival promoted around the world, but it started from rather humble beginnings.

THE BEGINNING OF AN ERA

While the first official Jazz Fest was held in April of 1970, the story of the festival actually started in the 1960s. During that decade, the city leaders and officials had ideas to create an event that displayed the city’s legacy as the birthplace of Jazz. Of course there were smaller Jazz events and festivals that lead up to the official Jazz and Heritage Festival, but they did not compare to the extravaganza that was

By Kimmie Tubre

If you find yourself craving Crawfish Monica, strawberry lemonade, cochon de lait, or soft shell crab po-boys, then you may have a case of the Jazz Fest fever.

Mahalia Jackson & Duke Ellington with George Wein at the First New Orleans Jazz Fest

1977 New Orleans Jazz Fest

to come in 1970.

That spring, under the direction of famed jazz promoter and pianist George Wein, the city’s first Jazz Fest was held in Beauregard Square (now Congo Square), located in Louis Armstrong Park. Then titled the Louisiana Heritage Fair, the festival was a celebration of the originators of jazz, alongside local food vendors, arts, and crafts, complete with second lines.

That establishing year, the legendary Mahailia Jackson returned home giving an impromptu appearance and performance alongside Duke Ellington and the Eureka Brass Band. The approximately 350 attendees that year excitedly witnessed performances from headliners including Al Hirt, Pete Fountain, Fats Domino, the Meters, the Preservation Hall Band, Mardi Gras Indians, the Olympia Brass Band, and many other local musicians.

Under the guidance of George Wein (who had previously run the successful Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island) and run by The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation [a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization], the fest set out to become not only the biggest Jazz festival in the country but also the ultimate display of the culture of New Orleans and the state

of Louisiana. With its rising popularity, growing numbers and interest forced the festival to relocate to the New Orleans Fair Grounds Race Course in 1972, a location where it is still held today. A few years after the relocation, the festival added more days, making it a two-weekend celebration, traditionally held the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May.

THE GLORY YEARS

This may seem unbelievable, but there once was a time when Jazz Fest cost $3. Yet, as the festival grew and expanded, rising prices were inevitable. In the ’80s, the attendance grew from the hundreds to the thousands with a multitude of added events from evening shows to workshops. At the end of that decade, with 20 years in the game, Jazz Fest was commemorated with the memorable Fats Domino poster, which not only spearheaded the annual Jazz Fest poster tradition but also aided in the growth of the local poster collection scene.

During the ’90s, the International Pavilion was added to celebrate other cultures that have influenced the city, including places including Haiti, Cuba, South Africa, Brazil, and many more. The 2000s was a decade of mass

Roosevelt Sykes performing at the first Jazz Fest in Congo Square, 1970

From Left: WWOZ Festin' in Place during the pandemic; Joyce and George Wein

attendance for the festival. In 2001, the festival shattered records with over 600,000 attendees that year creating major buzz and opening the door to more international, world-famous entertainers.

FROM KATRINA TO COVID

While the fest was consistently growing and gaining recognition, there was a storm brewing—literally—that was prepared to jeopardize everything. In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall, leaving the city and citizens of New Orleans broken, displaced, and devastated. With more than 80% damage around New Orleans, the Fair Grounds Race Course (festival grounds) was not spared. In fact, it suffered an immense amount of damage, leading festival officials scrambling to decide whether the 2006 festival would be able to take place.

Sponsors, including Shell Oil and backed by AEG Live and George Wein, the festival happened, and it didn’t miss a beat. That year, Jazz Fest became more of a homecoming celebration for local musicians and patrons to enjoy.

The years went on seamlessly as the festival continued annually until another disaster shut down the city in March 2020.

THE VIRTUAL YEARS

One of the biggest joys of attending Jazz Fest is that it feels like you're entering a small musical village or mini city. There’s a sense of community and a feeling of culture and expression that is like none other. Unfortunately, that experience was halted in 2020 when the entire world shut down for the then mysterious virus, COVID-19.

New Orleans was one of the U.S. Cities that instantly faced the effects of the pandemic.

As time moved forward, it was clear that a festival attracting multitudes would not be able to assemble in person. With that realization, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation teamed up with WWOZ to create Jazz Festing in Place—an On-Air Festival, (also known as porch festing), where they played music from previous festivals for listeners to enjoy from their homes.

Many came together to listen to the previous years of festing. It was a sad time, but porch festing gave the city hope, something to look forward to. After 50 years of festing, the years of 2020 and 2021 became the first break that the annual festival ever experienced.

NOW AND YEARS TO COME

After two years of “festing in place,” festival goers were more than ready to attend the 2022 Jazz Fest. The festival was met with great weather and amazing performances. Everything from the food to the art to the cultural experiences were exactly what the city needed after missing the beloved event.

This year's festival is just as anticipated with a spectacular lineup including performances from Lizzo, Santana, Ed Sheeran, Dead and Company, Jill Scott, and so much more.

From the unmatchable experience, to the immense history, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival lives on to be one of the best festivals of many in our lifetimes. As it continues, the city can only hope for another 50 years of the spectacular event.

Roosevelt Sykes performing for a larger crowd at Jazz Fest at the Fair Grounds, 1973

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT

Jazz Festing with Children

By Brooke Adams

With space to share on the festival grounds, families fill the crowds along with other festival-goers.

Beloved by locals and tourists alike, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has become integral to New Orleans's culture and history over the past fifty-three years. Every year, nearly half a million people come from all over the world to experience the best food, the big acts, the local jazz, and the one-of-a-kind atmosphere; however, one type of festival-goer holds the heart of carrying on the love of Jazz Fest in their tender little hands—kids.

The typical image of Jazz Fest crowds portrays the goofy, the weird, and the passionate people who flock to the stages, but take one look around the back of the crowds, and you’ll see the future of Jazz Fest running around, screaming and dancing along with the best of them. A crowded festival might not seem like every parent’s dream, but, for some, it is the most magical of days. Three local families sat down to discuss why they bring their little ones to Jazz Fest.

Karen Curry explains why she brings her son Parker Curry (14) to Jazz Fest every year. She says, “I grew up going to Jazz Fest. I love it so much that I go every day, every year. I want him to grow up loving it as much as I do. I like exposing him to music and letting him see the bands that he likes and trying new foods. Just having fun and being with all the people and friends.”

Parker certainly has learned to share that love with his Mom. The two reminisce about their favorite Jazz Fest memories. Karen recalls, “I think the first time I brought him, he was three or four, and he loves Bob Marley. He still does and has ever since he was a baby. Ziggy Marley was playing. He was on his dad’s shoulders, and it was just like his mind had been blown. It was like he was seeing Bob Marley, but it was Ziggy, and it was just the greatest experience. Last year, Ziggy Marley played the songs of Bob Marley, and that was pretty awesome.”

Parker definitely agreed, saying his favorite memory from his Jazz Fest visits was getting to see Ziggy Marley play the songs of Bob Marley. That and getting to eat the meat pies. It seems like food is always a pretty big motivator to kids of all ages. Parker continued to list all the food he got to eat—mostly the types of pies.

While Karen may be a born and bred Jazz Fest lover, Christine and Mike Mauer became life-long fans after moving to New Orleans in 2010. Every year since their move, the two have gone to Jazz Fest. When asked why they chose to bring their then 2-year-

old toddler, Piper, last year, the couple laughed, saying, “We had a kid, and we wanted to continue going to Jazz Fest.”

Recalling their favorite moment from last year, Christine explained, “We are huge fans of Jimmy Buffett. So getting to bring Piper and see her get really excited for Jimmy Buffett with us, it was really fun. It was a perfect day for her.”

When asked what Piper was most looking forward to this year, she happily exclaimed, “Pasta,” and “Doja Kitty.” While Doja Cat holds a big part of Piper’s heart, Mike and Christine are excited to expose her to Lizzo and Dead and Company this year.

Ruby and Lola, twin 2-year-old toddlers, agree with Piper on a lot of things. Especially what they most look forward to this year at Jazz Fest. When asked what their favorite part of Jazz Fest was, they broke out into dance and yelled snacks. When asked what their favorite snack was, their answer wasn’t ice cream, like you’d expect. They wanted pasta and crawfish. Ruby even sighed, looked at her mom, and said, “I love crawfish.”

While the twins seem well on their way to being the most “New Orleans” toddlers to ever go to Jazz Fest, their mom, Amanda Sulcer, explained why she finds it so important to bring them. She said, “If you have the opportunity to immerse your kids in such interesting, fun, and exciting culture— that is New Orleans—why wouldn’t you want to do it? The best part of Jazz Fest, for me as a parent, is seeing your children’s eyes light up when the sound from the stage just starts roaring into the crowd. I mean, they just stop in their tracks, and they’re just looking. And you can see their little minds start going, and then all of a sudden you see their little hands start going, and then you feel that little booty start going. And then all of a sudden, they’re just fully in it, and they’re just dancing and having a good time. If there’s an opportunity for your child to experience and feel that, why wouldn’t you want to give them that?”

One thing each family had in common, which holds true for families across the country: People want to share with their kids the love and passion they have for their local culture and heritage. Jazz Fest has always been about sharing New Orleans’s music, culture, and history with the world. The kids who go to Jazz Fest now may one day be the parents who uphold the tradition and continue to show future generations why we love New Orleans.

FROM LEFT: COURTESY CHRISTINE & MIKE MAUER; COURTESY KAREN & PARKER CURRY

Christine and Mike Mauer with their child Piper Maue Parker and Karen Curry

JAZZ FEST PREVIEWS TOP PICKS FOR

Shades of Praise

GOSPEL TENT | 1:50-2:35 P.M.

A dynamic interracial gospel choir, Shades of Praise has become a beloved fixture in the New Orleans music scene. Gospel fans and newcomers will fall in love with their uplifting performances that blend traditional gospel with contemporary rhythms.

Big Freedia

FESTIVAL STAGE | 2:00-3:15 P.M.

New Orleans’ own Queen Diva, Big Freedia is known and loved for her bounce music. Freedia took the city’s bounce music to the world back in 2010 and has been entertaining fans ever since. Come twerk it out with her this Jazz Fest.

Germaine Bazzle

WWOZ JAZZ TENT | 2:50-3:50 P.M.

Germaine Bazzle still lights up the stage with her jazz vocals. The grand dame of New Orleans jazz, Bazzle is a legend in this city and beyond. Visit the Jazz Tent to hear her sing the standards like you’ve never heard before.

Tank and the Bangas

FESTIVAL STAGE |

3:40-4:55 P.M.

Entertaining fans with their combination of funk, soul, and hip hop, Tank and the Bangas are a must-see group. Nominated in the Best New Artist category for the 2020 Grammy Awards, this group is based in New Orleans and puts on a fun show.

Lizzo

FESTIVAL STAGE |

5:25-7:00 P.M.

Lizzo sings, plays flute, and connects with audiences for lively, high energy shows. She has won four Grammy awards, a Billboard Music Award, BET Award, and more. Her music fuses hip hop, soul, R&B, and pop. Lizzo’s set is not to be missed.

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss

SHELL GENTILLY STAGE |

5:30-7:00 P.M.

This rock musician and bluegrass country singer combo is the perfect pairing and the ideal performance to check out. If you haven’t heard the Led Zeppelin singer, Robert Plant, and Alison Krauss together, you need to witness this collaboration.

Wu Tang Clan + The Soul Rebels

CONGO SQUARE STAGE | 5:40-6:55 P.M.

If you dig hip hop and brass bands, check out the perfect set. Wu Tang is a New York City collective and The Soul Rebels are a New Orleans eight piece brass ensemble, which means a big sound and high energy performance.

Mavis Staples

BLUES TENT | 6:00-7:00 P.M.

With a career spanning over eight decades, the dynamic Mavis Staples will bring her phenomenal presence to the stage on Friday of the first weekend. Mavis will certainly “take you there” to the perfect start of your weekend.

Pheasant, Quail, and Andouille

Gumbo

PREJEAN’S RESTAURANT | FOOD AREA 2

If you want to taste Louisiana in a bowl, the rich, smoky flavor of the pheasant, quail, and andouille gumbo will make you want to savor every bite. That dark brown roux means it’s going to be something special. This bowl of gumbo is packed full with meat.

Crawfish Monica

BIG RIVER FOODS | FOOD AREA 2

This Fest favorite is comfort food at its best with its sauce that’s just the right amount of spicy and plump crawfish tails—served in a bowl with a spoon so that you can eat, walk, and listen to music, all at the same time.

Oscar Donahue

OSCAR OF NEW ORLEANS | CONGO SQUARE AFRICAN MARKETPLACE | TENT D

Striking metallic resin jewelry, pins, and badges are only some of the incredible art Oscar Donahue will feature this year. His use of bold metallic colors and unique style creates eye-catching and sophisticated pieces that reflect his creativity and passion for his craft.

Jennifer Bauser

SCULPTURAL JEWELRY | CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS | TENT F

Bauser hails from Pennsylvania and makes incredible sculptural jewelry that is pretty and fun—a combination of old meets new. Her pieces can stand alone or be layered with others for a beautiful look. Incorporating leather and metal, Bauser’s jewelry is modern and unique.

JAZZ FEST PREVIEWS

Wendell Brunious and the New Orleans Allstars

ECONOMY HALL TENT | 12:251:20 P.M.

Wendell Brunious is a spectacular jazz trumpeter and bandleader as well as a New Orleans favorite. Performing with the Allstars, this trumpet player is known for the “Brunious sound” and is sure to perform an amazing set.

Maggie Koerner

FESTIVAL STAGE | 12:25-1:25 P.M.

This soulful Louisiana native singer-songwriter has a definitive sound and a powerful voice—come check her out. Formerly the lead singer for New Orleans funk band, Galactic, Koerner is now going solo and puts on a great show.

Mia Borders

GENTILLY STAGE |

12:40-1:35 P.M.

If you’re a fan of soulful, bluesy rock music, then be sure to attend Mia Borders’ performance. Hailing from New Orleans, Borders has made a name for herself with her powerful vocals, impressive guitar skills, and dynamic stage presence.

Sweet Crude

FESTIVAL STAGE | 1:45-2:45 P.M.

This indie pop and rock band is a New Orleans favorite and a must-see show. Their music is a combination of English and Cajun and their instruments include fiddle and keyboards. Their lively set will have you dancing for sure.

The Revivalists

FESTIVAL STAGE | 3:10-4:30 P.M.

Formed in New Orleans, this eight-piece band is fronted by the dynamic David Shaw. They rose to fame with their hit “Wish I Knew You” in 2015 and put on an electrifying show every single time that will have you singing along.

TOP PICKS FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 29

Ed Sheeran

FESTIVAL STAGE | 5:00-7:00 P.M.

Ed Sheeran is an English singersongwriter, who has been entertaining audiences since 2011 and may be most known for his hit “The Shape of You,” among others. With his folksy voice and soothing guitar playing, this artist personifies comfort music.

Steve Miller Band

SHELL GENTILLY STAGE | 5:30-7:00 P.M.

This band was huge in the 1970s and known for a classic rock sound and hits including “Jet Airliner” and “Take the Money and Run.” Fronted by Steve Miller on guitar and vocals, their music will get you nostalgic for the past.

Crawfish Beignet

PATTON’S CATERERS |

FOOD AREA 1

Two of the best things about New Orleans might be crawfish and beignets—now imagine them together. These little fried dough beignets have tasty, seasoned crawfish in them for the perfect savory bite. It’s the ideal snack to walk around from stage to stage.

Fried Soft Shell Crab Po-boy

THE GALLEY RESTAURANT | FOOD AREA 2

Imagine a tender soft shell crab, battered and fried to a crisp, golden brown and then put on French bread. Dress it, and you’ve got one of the tastiest dishes at the fest. The perfectly seasoned po-boy is the quintessential New Orleans sandwich.

Nonney Oddlokken

THREAD PAPER GLUE | CONTEMPORARY CRAFTS | TENT D Nonney Oddlokken's stunning Louisiana-themed stitched collage art is a must-see at Jazz Fest. Her intricate use of thread, paper, and glue to create stunning collages that capture the essence of Louisiana's music, food, and traditions are an exceptional demonstration of local talent.

JAZZ FEST PREVIEWS TOP

Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk

FESTIVAL STAGE | 1:35-2:50 P.M.

Be sure to check out this funk and jam band straight from New Orleans. Ivan Neville’s group really lays on the funk for lively shows. This group was born on the Jazz Fest stage and comes from both Neville and Meters bloodlines.

Little Freddie King Blues Band

BLUES TENT | 12:20-1:10 P.M.

Don’t miss the chance to experience the raw, unfiltered blues music of Little Freddie King Blues Band, as they dominate the stage with their vibrant energy. With over 50 years under their belt, the band has honed their craft to perfection.

Honey Island Swamp Band

SHELL GENTILLY STAGE | 1:20-2:10 P.M.

This band has a down-home sound that reflects Louisiana and Mississippi and the Honey Island Swamp that’s near both states. A mix of swamp blues, soul, country, and R&B, they will have you grabbing a partner and dancing.

The Iguanas

SHERATON FAIS DO-DO STAGE | 2:55-3:55 P.M.

The Iguanas are a roots rock band hailing from New Orleans and started back in 1989. Their music includes a mix of Tejano and conjunto sounds, along with a healthy bit of New Orleans R&B. They are a must-see show this fest.

Gary Clark Jr.

FESTIVAL STAGE | 3:15-4:45 P.M.

This American blues singer and guitarist hails from Austin Texas and plays a combo of blues, rock, and soul. Known for his songs “Bright Lights” and “Don’t Owe You a Thang,” Clark puts on a heck of a show.

Marcus King

BLUES TENT | 5:40-7:00 P.M.

At 27 years old, this Grammynominated singer-songwriter puts on a really dynamic live show. Strumming his guitar and singing, King’s rock and roll music is a definite stand out and a show you should make time for this year.

Los Lobos

SHERATON NEW ORLEANS FAIS DO-DO TENT | 5:45-7:00 P.M.

This East L.A. band plays a lively fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, Tex-Mex, and Latin music for a very unique sound. Performing favorites such as “Come on Let’s Go,” “Donna,” and “We Belong Together,” this band is a lot of fun.

Beignets

CAFÉ DU MONDE | HERITAGE SQUARE

Indulge in the fluffy and decadent beignets from this New Orleans’ staple. These deep-fried dough pastries are generously dusted with powdered sugar and served warm, making for a heavenly treat that will undoubtedly be a must-have for all festival goers.

wanting more.

James Michalopoulos

BRUCE BRICE ART VILLAGE

Though he was born in France, this artist’s name is synonymous with New Orleans art and sculpture. James Michalopoulos’s work leaps from the canvas. His colorful interpretations of local streets and houses show a unique perspective and talent.

MRS. WHEAT’S FOODS | FOOD

AREA 2

Entertain your tastebuds with this twist on New Orleans fare. Savor the delicious taste of their crawfish pie featuring a buttery, flaky crust and rich filling. Each bite will offer you a satisfying blend of flavors that will leave you

FUNK UP THE FLAVOR

Fun Food at Jazz Fest

By Joey Cirilo

Amidst the sprawling festival grounds, a tantalizing array of food and beverage stands await.

Pop-up vendors and brick and mortar establishments from across Louisiana operate under heavy duress in makeshift kitchens, posting signage baiting overly-eager festival goers with promises of nourishment and hydration in exchange for sweaty cash.

The options are seemingly endless and oftentimes intimidating, even for the most experienced. If not careful, one could easily find themselves aimlessly pinballing between stalls, eyes glazed over and slack-jawed. Battling the relentless sun and at times unpredictable terrain are throngs of people wearing khaki shorts, loose-fitting, tropical-colored t-shirts, flowy-pastel sundresses, fedoras, wraparound sunglasses, bedazzled umbrellas, and the like. Welcome to Jazz Fest.

Jazz Fest undoubtedly has its culinary cornerstones: the cochon de lait and fried soft-shell crab po-boys, Crawfish Monica, jambalaya, beignets, and mango freeze, to name a few. What is particularly enchanting about the copious amounts of food an individual has the good fortune to cram into that gaping hole in their face, is the caliber of it all.

Long lines don’t necessarily translate to “better.” More well-known? Sure, that tracks; however, every vendor who has managed to secure an annual space within the Fair Grounds Race Course has unquestionably poured their blood, sweat, and tears into providing the most sublime eating experience by the plastic sporkful.

Now, this is by no means an insider’s guide. Think of these as highlights—organizations and individuals who are equally worthy of your time, hard-earned dollars, and satisfied stomach pats.

DOWN HOME CREOLE COOKIN’ SWEETS

Heritage Square

A no-frills catering service turned homemade sweet tooth satisfying one stop shop. With outstretched arms and dribble running down one's chin, people trudge through the crowds as if a background extra in The Walking Dead until they've reached their final destination.

Caramel apple cobbler for those who treasure varied texture combinations in a single serving. Strawberry and lemon bundt cakes, because who in their right mind doesn’t enjoy digesting a single cake to themselves? Here, we can all act as if we were raised as only children, it’s completely okay. And, if there’s room for more, which of course there is, because—dessert, grab an ooey gooey bar for your troubles. Replenish those calories as you proceed to dance them off. Jazz Fest is not the time for dieting. Everything here is homemade to boot.

MS. LINDA’S CATERING

Food Area 1

Ya-ka-mein, otherwise widely known as “Old Sober.” A beef noodle soup with green onion, and hard boiled egg resting comfortably in a steaming, salty broth. As a child, Ms. Linda would watch in bewilderment as her great grandmother crafted this classic Creole concoction to perfection. The scent would fill the house, ultimately escaping through open windows where neighbors, alerted via their senses, would hastily scurry over with empty bowls in hand. Ya-ka-mein’s restorative qualities are unparalleled, and, let’s face it, after a few too many you could go for a helping or two. It’s as if your second wind is being quite literally served to you. She even has a vegetarian option if you prefer. Slurping and spillage is encouraged.

PALMER’S JAMAICAN CUISINE

Congo Square

Palmer’s Jamaican Cuisine is back, so prepare your debit cards accordingly. One thing particularly admirable about Jazz Fest is the eclectic exhibition of food and beverage choices, and Palmer’s is a good example of that. After missing 2022, their return will be nothing short of triumphant and highly lauded. Palmer’s Jamaican chicken is cooked and seasoned to excellence, their curry chicken patties hearty and congenial, and it'd be a mistaken to leave out the Caribbean fish, and steamed vegetable and rice plates. Palmer’s is second to none among all vendors when it comes to food possibilities that please pallets across the spectrum. Let’s give them a well-earned welcome back.

PREJEAN’S RESTAURANT

Food Area 2

You ever close your eyes and allow yourself to fully take in a perfectly made roux? Prejean’s pheasant, quail, and andouille gumbo is Louisiana in a bowl. This decadent, meat-heaping amalgamation nestled in a dark brown roux is meant to be savored. Take your time with it, enjoy it, tell your friends about it; whisper sweet nothings against the mouth-rim as others watch in confused merriment believing you’re fit for a straight jacket. It’s Jazz Fest–all societal norms were tossed out of the window onto Gentilly Boulevard the second you entered the gates. Life hack: order their crawfish enchilada and give it a quick dip. You’re welcome.

MANGO

FREEZE

Food Area 1

A slight departure from the others listed, but how can it possibly be resisted?

Three ingredients: mango (naturally), lime juice, and agave nectar–simple, sweet, and splendid. You won’t find this shit at Coachella, and, if you did, it would likely be some watered—down version handled by a kid battling three hits of acid and ecstasy, spewing some unbridled nonsensical rhetoric around angel numbers as he hands you a cup that’s like, so cute for an Instagram pic. Battle the elements like a pro, and get yourself one.

HAPPY

JAZZ FEST

2023

There you have it. Some folks will read this, and, before long, their eyes will roll back from utter disappointment. It's impossible to please everyone. Jazz Fest is much more than a music and food festival. It’s a celebration of New Orleans. A place where, every year, it's so easy to fall in love all over again with the city, its diverse people, its eccentric culture— everything. Grab your beverage of choice, put a smile on your face, and enjoy yourself.

NOLA NIGHT SHOW PICKS

First Weekend

By Burke Bischoff

TROUBLE NO MORE: CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND

Thursday, April 27, 7 p.m.

House of Blues New Orleans, Tickets $34-104

Trouble No More is a great Allman Brothers tribute band that is made up of six skilled musicians from Memphis, Tennessee. The group has great respect for the Allman Brothers Band and has been playing their music since the Allmans first started up in the late 1960s. Trouble No More’s Southern rock sound is so close to how the Allman Brothers Band sounded, they’re a great way to experience how the legendary band was like during its glory days. Expect to hear absolute classics including “Ramblin’ Man,” “Jessica,” “Blue Sky,” “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed,” “Whipping Post,” and so much more.

AXIAL TILT: A GRATEFUL DEAD CELEBRATION

Friday, April 28 & Saturday, April 29 10 p.m. Cafe Istanbul, Tickets $65

Deadheads of all ages definitely should not miss Axial Tilt’s annual Grateful Dead Celebration. Axial Tilt is a music project that was created by Flavio Ferrira, a music producer, song writer, and composer from São Paulo, Brazil. Ferrira is also responsible for helping create the music projects Xpiral and Sychotria. Axial Tilt itself was formed in New Orleans in 2015 to celebrate the Grateful Dead’s 50th anniversary and has put on a Grateful Dead celebration show during Jazz Fest every year since. The concerts are all-out parties and celebrations of music and harmony, all inspired by one of America’s all-time greatest bands.

LETTUCE & TOWER OF POWER WITH THE LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Friday, April 28, 8 p.m.

Saenger Theatre, Tickets $59-$129

Funk and jazz bands Tower of Power and Lettuce will join forces with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra to keep the good vibes going into the night. Tower of Power was formed in Oakland, California in 1968 as the Motowns and has had eight songs on the Billboard Hot 100, the most famous being “So Very Hard to Go.” The band will actually be celebrating its 55th anniversary during the Saenger concert. Lettuce is a newer funk band that was created in Boston in 1992. Two of their albums, Fly! And Crush, both appeared on Billboard’s Top Jazz and Heatseekers’ charts.

DA LOVEBIRDS: JAZZ AFTER FEST

Saturday, April 29, 10 p.m., Peacock Room, Cover $15

An intimate night of R&B awaits at the Jazz After Fest concert at the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot’s Peacock Room cocktail bar. Headliners will be wife-and-husband duo Robin Barnes and Pat Casey who perform together as Da Lovebirds. The duo brings their sultry sound to the Peacock Room every Thursday night, so there are plenty of opportunities to see them again and again. Da Lovebirds will be joined by NOLA artist Casmè, who appeared on season 19 of The Voice and has been a singer for major acts like Keith Urban and Bob, and Nigel Hall, who is the keyboardist for the funk band Lettuce and is the leader of the Nigel Hall Band.

MASTER P & FRIENDS

2ND ANNUAL CAMOUFLAGE BIRTHDAY BASH

Friday, April 28, 8 p.m.

Smoothie King Center, Tickets $114-$249

Celebrate Master P’s 53rd birthday with a night of infectious hip hop jams. The New Orleans rapper was the founder of No Limit Records, which had acts such as Snoop Dog and Mystikal signed to it. Master P himself has released 15 studio albums during his career and his best-known single “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!,” which was from his 1997 album Ghetto D, hit #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and was even certified platinum. The concert will feature Erykah Badu, Ying Yang Twins, Choppa Style, Mia X, Lloyd, Jagged Edge, Webbie, Plies, Fiend, and Niq, as well as a surprise special guest.

THE METERS EXPERIENCE PLUS THE FUNKY UNCLE ALL-STARS

Friday, April 28 9:30 p.m. & Saturday, April 29, 12:30 a.m.

Zony Mash Beer Project, Tickets $72-$90

Any lover of New Orleans music needs to head out to the Meters Experience concert, which celebrates the NOLA band that is considered to be one of the originators of funk. The night will be led by Leo Nocentelli, who was the Meters lead guitarist and one of the band’s founding members. He will be joined by David Russell Batiste Sr., who was the band’s keyboardist for three years, and David Russell Batiste Jr., who was the drummer for the Funky Meters for 22 years. The Funky Uncle All-Stars will also be performing and has a sound that combines funk, soul, jazz, gospel, and blues.

TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE TREME THREAUXDOWN 7 WITH DUMPSTAPHUNK

Saturday, April 29, 8 p.m. Saenger Theatre, Tickets $49-$150

Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue are back at the Saenger for what’s sure to be another raucous post Jazz Fest show. This jam session with the explosive Dumpstaphunk will also include Eric Church, Mavis Staples, Robert Glasper, and the New Breed Brass Band. The Grammy-nominated Trombone Shorty plays a mix of funk, soul, R & B, and psychedelic rock. Dumpstaphunk is a New Orleans-based group who is known as the funkiest band to rise out of the Crescent City. When Shorty takes the stage with Dumpstaphunk, it’s a show that’ll have you on your feet.

Here are top picks for night shows around New Orleans to keep the music going over the weekend of April 27–29.

Trouble No More

Robin Barnes

Axial Tilt

Trombone Shorty

Leo Nocentelli

LIVE MUSIC

MUSIC CALENDAR

MONDAY, APRIL 17

AllWays Lounge Betsy Propane

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Bamboula’s Joe Gelini Band, Jon Roniger Band

Cafe Negril Cristina Kaminis

Chickie Wah Wah Alexis & The Sanity

D.B.A. Iguanas, Soul Brass Band

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Richard Scott

Joy Theater Sullivan King

MRB Ben Buchbinder

Mahogany Jazz Hall Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, Preservation Brass

Saturn Bar BC Coogan

The Howlin Wolf Atomic Broad, Coffinwolf Ultra

The Maison Giselle Anguizola

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

Bamboula’s Doyle Cooper Jazz Band

Bayou Bar Peter Harris, Shannon Powell

Preservation Hall Preservation All-Stars, Branden Lewis

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

Sandbar at The Cove Cindy Scott

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam

Three Muses Keith Burnstein, Schatzy

Zeitgeist Aurora Nealand, James Singleton

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

3rd Block Depot Dr. Sick & The Late Greats

BK House & Gardens Maggie Koerner, Little Big Quintet

Bamboula’s Cristina Kaminis, Wolfe John’s Blues

Bayou Bar Kaleidoscope, Peter Harris, Ashlin

Parker

Blue Nile Where Y’at Brass Band

Bourbon Street Honky Tonk John George & So and So’s

LUKAS NELSON AT THE JOY THEATER

The hit rock group, Lukas Nelson & the Promise of the Real, is coming to NOLA. Grab your tickets and get ready for a night of fun at the Joy Theater.

Tuesday, April 18, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $27, ticketmaster.com

Bullet’s Sports Bar No

Boss Jazz Band, Jerry Anderson

Cafe Negril Piano Man

‘G’, Sierra Green

Capulet Thomas Dumford

Chickie Wah Wah Alex

McMurray

D.B.A. Ghalia Volt, John Boutté

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man

Deutsches Haus Bier

Musikanten

Fillmore Curren$y & Friends

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub

Kevin Ray Clark, John Saavedra

Mahogany Jazz Hall Smoking Time Jazz Club

Trio

NOLA Brewing The Riverbenders

NOPSI Hotel Matt Lemmler

New Orleans Jazz Museum The Iguanas

Oak Jenn Howard Music

Republic NOLA Shanghai Doom, Shlump

Sidney’s Saloon DarkLounge Ministries

Snug Harbor Delfeayo Marsalis Sextet

Southport Hall Undertow

Spotted Cat Chris Johnson Band, Vegas Cola

Band

The Goat Wizard Dick, GOREgeous

The Maison Mervin Campbell, Shotgun Jazz Band

The National WWII Museum Victory Swing

Orchestra

Three Muses Derrick Freeman

Tipitina’s New Pornographers, Wild Pink

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio

Zony Mash Ever More Nest, Bon Bon Vivant

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

Bamboula’s Johnny Mastro Blues, Youse

Bayou Bar Jordan Anderson

Blue Nile Marigny Street Brass Band, Soul Rebels

Blues Fest Southern Avenue, Tommy Castro

Bourbon Street Honky Tonk John George, So and So’s

Cafe Negril Jason Neville, Sierra Green

Carrollton Station Byron Daniel and the Five

Dead Dogs

Chickie Wah Wah Judith Owen & Her Gentlemen

Callers

D.B.A. Aurora Nealand Wood Floor Trio, Vapors of Morphine

DMACS Greg Afek, Steady Company

Dew Drop Social & Benevolent Society Hall

Shannon Powell All Star Band

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Steve DeTroy Band

Le Bon Temps Roulé Dr. Lo Faber

Mahogany Jazz Hall Mahogany Hall Swingsters, Roderick Paulin

New Orleans Museum of Art Jazz Ambassadors

Preservation Hall Preservation Legacy Band, Will Smith

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

The Maison Jenavieve Cooke, the Villains

Three Muses Sasha Masakowski

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio

MONDAY, APRIL 24

AllWays Lounge Betsy Propane

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Bamboula’s Gabriel & the Arch Angels, Melatauns

Cafe Negril Cristina Kaminis

Capulet Meccanotes

Chickie Wah Wah Alexis & The Sanity

D.B.A. The Iguanas

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Richard Scott

Gasa Gasa Kopps, Jacob Asher

House of Blues Banks Arcade, Holding Absence, Plot in You

MRB Ben Buchbinder

Mahogany Jazz Hall Original Tuxedo Jazz Band, Tom Hook

Preservation Hall Preservation Brass

Saturn Bar BC Coogan

The Howlin Wolf Archer Oh!, Surely Tempo, Letters Instead

The Maison Eight Dice Cloth

Three Muses Danny Abel

Tulane Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

TUESDAY, APRIL 25

Bacchanal Wine Steve Lands

Bamboula’s Amber Rachelle, Doyle Cooper Jazz Band

Bayou Bar Peter Harris, Oscar Rossignoli

Blue Nile Water Seed

Capulet Jelani Bauman

Chickie Wah Wah Hunter Diamond, Wavering

D.B.A. Lulu & The Broadsides, Secret Six Jazz

Band

Gasa Gasa Phoebel Bridges, Beezotron

House of Blues Theo Katzman

Joy Theater Lukas Nelson, Drayton Farley

Mahogany Jazz Hall Big Joe Kennedy, Leroy

Jones

New Orleans Jazz Museum Arrowhead Jazz

Band

Rock n Bowl Javier Olondo, Asheson

Sidney’s Saloon The Amazing Henrietta

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

Three Muses Hunter Burgamy

Toulouse Theatre Pedro the Lion, Erik Walters

Treme Hideaway Juvenile

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Bamboula’s Roulé & the Queen

Blue Nile New Breed Brass Band

Cafe Negril The Budz, Colin Davis

Café Degas Double Whisky

Capulet Susanne Ortner

Chickie Wah Wah “Snakehips” Johnson, Jon

Cleary

Church at Hotel Peter & Paul Helen Gillet

D.B.A. Tin Men

DMACS Daniel Louis

Favela Chic Mervin Campbell

Fillmore Seven Lions

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Bourbon Street Stars, Kevin Ray Clark

Gasa Gasa False Cape, Damnself

Lafayette Square Zita, Iceman Special

Longue Vue House and Gardens Or Shovaly

Plus MRB Lynn Drury

Madame Vic’s Dr. Redwine Jazz Trio

Mahogany Jazz Hall Mahogany Hall Jazz Band, Kevin Louis

Pour House at Jefferson Huey C

Gasa Gasa Eat The Witch, Yellow Nymphos

Happyland Theater Helen Gillet, Doug Garrison

Le Bon Temps Roule Soul Rebels Brass

MRB Clint Johnson

Madame Vic’s Jerry Dugger, Gloria Turrini Blues

Mahogany Jazz Hall Jamil Sharif, New Orleans

Catahoulas Trio

NOLA Brewing Aden Paul, Incubators

Orpheum Theater Louisiana Philharmonic

Pavilion of the Two Sisters Tom Sancton’s

Legacy Band, Clive Wilson

Rock n Bowl Leroy Thomas, Zydeco Roadrunners

Santos Bar Austin Meade

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz Band

Sweet Lorraine’s Chucky C

The Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

The Maison Silver Lining Serenaders, Tuba Skinny

Three Muses Leo Forde, Tom McDermott

UNO Awadagin Pratt, Maxwell Quartet

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

Bamboula’s Fully Dressed Po Boys, Les Getrex

Bayou Bar YYRP, Peter Varnado

Blue Nile Soul Rebels, Trumpet Slim

Blues Fest Chris Leblanc

Cafe Negril Dana Abbott Band, Sweetie and the Boys

Carrollton Station North By North

Chickie Wah Wah Song Dogs

Civic Theatre Daniel Nunnelee, Shakey Graves

D.B.A. Jeremy Lyons

DMACS J.A.M. Brass Band, Joey Houck Band

Deutsches Haus Ladies Choir, Men’s Choir

Fillmore HARDY

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Kevin Ray Clark, Sam Friend Band

Gasa Gasa Hotel Burgundy, Kidnap and the Bloomies

House of Blues Just Fine

Kenner Rivertown Festa Italiana The Cheeweez, Jerry Embree

Le Bon Temps Roule Jon Roniger

Live After Five Sugar Shaker, Chris Leblanc Band

MRB Silver Lining Serenaders

Madame Vic’s Mia Borders

Gasa Gasa Black Belt Eagle Scout, Claire Glass

Hideaway Den Superbloom NOLA, Basically

Vacant

Kenner Rivertown Festa Italiana Sugar Shaker,

Top Cats, Lena Pima, Victory Belles

Le Bon Temps Roule Beach Angel

Mahogany Jazz Hall Gerald French Trio

Maple Leaf Bar Gov’t Majik, Jon Cleary

NOLA Brewing Jamie Bernstein, Yakameiniacs

Pirogue’s Whiskey Bayou Dick Deluxe

Port Orleans Brewing Co. Desert Nudes

Preservation Hall Joe Lastie

Republic NOLA Doctor P

Roosevelt Hotel Leslie Martin

Royal Frenchmen Saint Mercedes, Medicinal Harmony

Silk Road KatieCat, Cain Jazz Duo

Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz Band, Shake’em Up Jazz Band

The Domino Tom Andes Band

The Jazz Playhouse Nayo Jones Experience

The Maison Eight Dice Cloth, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Rabbit Hole Ryan Deffes, Herb Christopher

The Ritz-Carlton Mudbugs and Bubbles

Three Muses Mia Borders

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio, Tangiers

Combo

Bamboula’s Matt Rhody, Midnight Brawlers

Blue Nile The Baked Potatoes, Street Legends

Brass Band

Blues Fest Mia Borders, Luther Kent

Bullet’s Sports Bar In Tune Band

Cafe Negril John Lisi, Vegas Cola

Chandelier Bar Branden Lewis

D.B.A. Palmetto Bug Stompers, Treme Brass Band

DMACS Joey Fletcher

East Bank Regional Library Motoshi Kosako

Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar Big Al and the Heavyweights

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Joe Kennedy Band, Marla Dixon

Gasa Gasa Coffinwolf Ultra, Horsebiter

Blue Nile Water Seed

Cafe Negril Super-Most-Fantastic-Blues-N-Such Jam

City Park Peristyle Louisiana Philharmonic

Orchestra

D.B.A. Lulu & the Broadsides, Secret Six Jazz Band

Gasa Gasa Shayfer James, Sarah & The Safe

Word

House of Blues Hoodoo Gurus

Mahogany Jazz Hall Big Joe Kennedy

New Orleans JCC Gili Yalo

New Orleans Jazz Museum Arrowhead Jazz Band

Saturn Bar Anna Laura Quinn

Sidney’s Saloon The Amazing Henrietta

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Maison Jacky Blaire, Gene’s Music Machine

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

Treme Hideaway Juvenile

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Bamboula’s Roulé & The Queen

Blue Nile New Breed Brass Band

Cafe Negril Colin Davis, Higher Heights

Café Degas Double Whisky

Capulet Steve Masakowski, Phil DeGraw

Chickie Wah Wah Loose Cattle, Happy Talk

D.B.A. Tin Men

DMACS Chris Zonada

Favela Chic Mervin Campbell

Fillmore Key Glock

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Kevin Ray Clark

Joy Theater Babyface Ray

Lafayette Square George Porter Jr., Runnin’

Pardners

MRB Lynn Drury

Madame Vic’s BoneShakers

Mahogany Jazz Hall Mahogany Hall Jazz Band, Tom Fischer

Pour House at Jefferson Huey C

Preservation Hall Preservation All-Stars, Branden Lewis

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

The Broadside Extended Trio, Brad Walker

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam

The Rabbit Hole Mighty Joshua

Three Muses Matt Rhody

Toulouse Theatre Sarah and the Sundays, Happy Fits

The Sandbar Maurice “MoBetta” Brown

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

3rd Block Depot Dr. Sick & The Late Greats

BK House & Gardens Amanda Shaw

BMC Balcony Music Club Renée Gros

Bacchanal Wine Brad Webb

Bamboula’s Cristina Kaminis & the Mix, Wolfe

John

Bar Marilou Silver Lining Serenaders

Bayou Bar Pedro Segundo, Julian Lee

Blue Nile Where Y’at Brass Band

Bourbon Street Honky Tonk John George, So and So’s

Bullet’s Sports Bar No Boss Jazz Band

Cafe Istanbul Gatorators, Dave Malone

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Capulet Meschiya Lake

Chickie Wah Wah C.C. Adcock

D.B.A. Little Freddie King, New Orleans Klezmer

All Stars

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man

Fillmore Gary Numan, Ministry

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Doyle Cooper Band, Kevin Ray

Clark

Gasa Gasa MNKR, Quarx, Lisbon Girls

Generations Hall New Orleans All Star Torkestra

House of Blues Trouble No More

Joy Theater Ella Mai

Le Bon Temps Roule Soul Rebels

MRB Clint Johnson

Madame Vic’s Valerie Sassyfras

Mahogany Jazz Hall Jamil Sharif, Catahoulas

Trio

NOLA Brewing BTTRFLY QUINTET

Porch Concert Father Ron, Robert Eustis

Saenger Theatre Billy & the Kids

Santos Bar ME ND ADAM

Spotted Cat Chris Christy, Jumbo Shrimp Jazz

Band

Sweet Lorraine’s Chucky C

The Broadside Las Cafeteras

The Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

The Maison Secret 6

Three Keys Joshua Starkman

Three Muses James Williams, Tom McDermott

Tipitina’s Anna Moss, Anders Osborne

Zony Mash New Orleans Suspects

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

Bamboula’s Fully Dressed Po Boys, Les Getrex

Bayou Bar YYRP, Peter Varnado

Blue Nile Flow Tribe, Kermit Ruffins

Bullet’s Sports Bar Sporty’s Brass Band

Cafe Istanbul Axial Tilt

Cafe Negril Paradise Jazz Band, Sweetie and the Boys

Chickie Wah Wah GA-20, Paul Sanchez

D.B.A. Honey Island Swamp Band, Meschiya Lake

Fillmore The Revivalists

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Fritzel’s All Star Band, Kevin Ray Clark

Happy Raptor Distilling Bb Manning

Hi Ho Lounge Lynn Drury Band, Papa Mali

Hideaway Den & Arcade Mary’s Wish

House of Blues Villie Valo

Joy Theater Scary Pockets

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge TBC

Brass Band

Le Bon Temps Roule Bakey’s Brew, Cardboard

Cowboy

Live After Five Gal Holiday

Mahalia Jackson Theater Black Star

Mahogany Jazz Hall Smoking Time Jazz Club Trio

Maple Leaf Bar The Leafopotomus

Orpheum Theater Ween

Pour House at Jefferson Cricket & the 2:19

Republic NOLA Daniel Donato, Rico Nasty

Saenger Theatre Louisiana Philharmonic

Saturn Bar Sam Doores, Bailey Bigger

Sidney’s Saloon DarkLounge Ministries

Smoothie King Center Master P & Friends

Spotted Cat Chris Johnson Band

Sweet Lorraine’s Kevin Gullage

The Goat Gurotesuku, Goatman Express

The Howlin Wolf Rebirth Brass Band

The Maison Mervin Campbell, Shotgun Jazz Band

The Rabbit Hole Glen David Andrews Band, Secret Handshake

Three Keys Yaya Bey

Three Muses Hunter Burgamy, Keith Burnstein

Tipitina’s Galactic

Toulouse Theatre Soul Rebels, Ashlin Parker

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio

Zony Mash Beer Project Experiencing The

Meters

SATURDAY, APRIL 29

BMC Balcony Music Club Audrey LeCrone & The Crawzaddies

Bamboula’s The Jaywalkers, Johnny Mastro

Blues

Bayou Bar Jordan Anderson

Blue Nile Big Sam’s Funky Nation, MonoNeon

Bourbon Street Honky Tonk John George, So and So’s

Cafe Negril New Orleans Rug Cutters, Sierra Green Show

Cafe Istanbul Axial Tilt

Chickie Wah Wah New Orleans Nightcrawlers, Susan Cowsill

D.B.A. Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Tuba Skinny

DMACS Zach Smallman

Fillmore North Mississippi

Allstars, Samantha Fish

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Steve

DeTroy Band

Gasa Gasa Them Dirty Roses

House of Blues Leonid, The Wailers

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-inLaw Lounge TBC Brass Band

Le Bon Temps Roule Sweet

Funk, Soul Brass Band

Madame Vic’s Or Shovaly Plus

Mahalia Jackson Theater

Aaron Lewis Acoustic

Mahogany Jazz Hall Gerald

French Trio

DON’T MISS THE JAZZ FEST WEEKEND II/ MOTHER’S DAY ISSUE*

HOODOO GURUS AT HOUSE OF BLUES

Come see Australia’s most underrated band, Hoodoo Gurus, at the iconic House of Blues. Get ready to dance and sing along to your favorites as well as hear new music by the band.

Tuesday, April 25, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $27, livenation.com

Metropolitan Nightclub Two Friends

New Orleans Jazz Market

Adonis Rose, Jazzmeia Horn

NOLA Brewing Co. Riverbenders

Orpheum Theater Ween

Peacock Room Da Lovebirds, Casme, Nigel Hall

Roosevelt Hotel Leslie Martin

Saenger Theatre Trombone Shorty, Orleans

Avenue

Silk Road KatieCat, Cain Jazz Duo

Southport Hall Iceman Special

The Broadside Jon Cleary, John Boutté

The Jazz Playhouse Nayo Jones Experience

The Maison City of Trees Brass Band

The Rabbit Hole Cha Wa, Tyron Benoit, Lavish

Three Keys Teedra Moses, The Artist Jade

Tipitina’s moe.

Toulouse Theater Parliment-Funkadelic, Erik

Krasno

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio

Zig’s Hideout Lounge Round Pegs, Patrick

Cooper

Zony Mash Meters Experience, Funky Uncle

All-Stars

SUNDAY, APRIL 30

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio, Tangiers

Combo

Bamboula’s Midnight Brawlers, Secret Six Jazz

Band

Blue Nile Holy Ghost-Note

Cafe Istanbul James Singleton’s Malabar, Herlin

Riley and Friends, Naughty Professor

Cafe Negril Delta Funk, Silver Lining Serenaders

Chickie Wah Wah BeauSoleil, Michael Doucet

D.B.A. John Papa Gros, Big Chief Monk

Boudreaux

DMACS Justin Wall

Fritzel’s Jazz Pub Joe Kennedy Band, Marla

Dixon Band

Gasa Gasa Mustard Service

House of Blues Leonid & Friends, Tiffany

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge TBC

Brass Band

Le Bon Temps Roulé Dr. Lo Faber

Mahogany Jazz Hall Mahogany Hall

Swingsters, Roderick Paulin

Preservation Hall Leroy Jones, Preservation

Jazz Masters

Rock n Bowl Sonny Landreth

Santos Bar Agent Orange

The Broadside Skerik, Helen Gillet

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

The Maison Jenavieve Cooke, Mervin Campbell

The Rabbit Hole Cardboard Cowboy, Nerf the

World

Three Muses Betty Shirley

Three Keys Gabriel De Rosa, Stonesthrow

Discovery Suite Tipitina’s Karl Denson, moe.

Toulouse Theater Saga Plays Dead, Maurice

“Mobetta” Brown

Tropical Isle Bourbon Rhythm & Rain Trio

Zony Mash Bonerama

MONDAY, MAY 1

AllWays Lounge Betsy Propane

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Cafe Negril Cristina Kaminis

Carrollton Station Jimmy Robinson, Cranston

Clements

Chickie Wah Wah Alexis & The Sanity, Eric Bloom

Constantinople Stage Helen Gillet

D.B.A. Happy Talk Band, Arlo Allen

Gasa Gasa Wine Lips

House of Blues Piano Night

Joy Theater Yves Tumor

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law

Lounge TBC Brass Band

There’s just no other band that will make you dance like the Soul Rebels. Make sure to catch them at Le Bon Temps Roule and have a blast to their big sound.

Le Bon Temps Roule Jack Ryan, Joe Pizzolato

Saturn Bar BC Coogan

The Broadside George Porter Jr.

The Neutral Ground Trombone Shorty

TUESDAY, MAY 2

AllWays Lounge Sw33theartbreak

Bar Marilou Or Shovaly Plus

Bayou Bar Pedro Segundo, Oscar

Rossignoli

Cafe Istanbul Quiana Lynell & The Lush Life Band

Chickie Wah Wah Grainne Duffy, Marc Ford

D.B.A. Dave Jordan Acoustic Trio, Lulu & The Broadsides

Ellis Marsalis Center for Music

Germaine Bazzle

Faubourg Brewery Goose, Tank and the Bangas

Gasa Gasa The Aquadolls

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge TBC

Brass Band

Le Bon Temps Roule Shout Young, Raph Zee

Mahalia Jackson Theater Tori Amos

Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

Rock n Bowl Javier Olondo, Asheson

Saenger Theatre Buggles, Seal

Spotted Cat Chris Christy , Smoking Time Jazz

Club

The Broadside Lost Bayou Ramblers, Deltaphonic

The Howlin’ Wolf Gracie Lawrence, Ian Neville

Three Keys Durand Jones

Tipitina’s Dragon Smoke, Eric Lindell

Treme Hideaway Juvenile

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Bar Redux Movie Club, Atomic Broad

Blue Nile Big Sam, Corey Henry

Cafe Istanbul Ram From Haiti

Cafe Negril The Budz, Colin Davis and Night

People

Café Degas Double Whisky

Chickie Wah Wah Sgt Splendor, Kate Vargas

Civic Theatre The Radiators

Constantinople Stage André Bohren

D.B.A. The Iguanas, Tin Men

DMACS Sam Price

Favela Chic Mervin Campbell

Faubourg Brewery Goose, Geroge Porter Jr.

Gasa Gasa Little Freddie King

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge TBC

Brass Band

Lafayette Square Soul Rebels, Tonya Boyd-

MUSIC CALENDAR

Cannon

Le Bon Temps Roule Jo Pizzolato, Jermal

Watson

NOLA Brewing The Headhunters

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz

Band

The Rabbit Hole Electric Beethoven, Very Cherry

Three Keys Amina Scott

Tipitina’s The Daze Between Band, Tony Hall

The Sandbar at The Cove Nicole Glover

THURSDAY, MAY 4

3rd Block Depot Dr. Sick, The Late Greats

BK House & Gardens Marty Peters

Bayou Bar Ashlin Parker, Victor Atkins

Cafe Istanbul Will Bernard & Friends, Wil

Blades & Friends w/Donald Harrison, Mike Clark, Bill Summers

Cafe Negril Piano Man ‘G’, Sierra Green

Chickie Wah Wah Nicholas Payton, PJ Morton

Civic Theatre Samantha Fish, Jesse Dayton

D.B.A. Jon Cleary, Absolute Monster Gentlemen

DMACS Paggy Prine, Pizza Man’s Fam Jam

Fillmore Joe Russo

House of Blues Digable Planets

Howlin’ Wolf Joey Porter, Josh Schwartz

Joy Theater Tank and the Bangas

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge TBC

Brass Band

Le Bon Temps Roule Soul Rebels

Orpheum Theater Karl Denson

Pavilion of the Two Sisters Patrice Fisher, Arpa

Republic NOLA Anders Osborne

Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Jumbo Shrimp

Jazz Band

The Broadside The Iceman Special, Fackn A’

The Rabbit Hole New Thousand, Crush Diamond

For up-to-date listings visit WhereYat.com

Three Keys Durand Jones

Tipitina’s North Mississippi Allstars

Zony Mash Beer Project Tribal Gold

FRIDAY, MAY 5

Bayou Bar YYRP, Peter Varnado

Blue Nile Karina Rykman, Kermit Ruffins

Cafe Istanbul Melvin Seals & JGB

Cafe Negril Paradise Jazz Band, Sweetie and the Boys

Chickie Wah Wah Nigel Hall, Terence Blanchard

Civic Theatre Poppa Funk

D.B.A. Soul Rebels

DMACS Sierra Green

Deutsches Haus Ladies Choir, Men’s Choir

Fat City Park La Tran K, Dat Band, Honey Island Swamp Band

Fillmore Joe Russo

Gasa Gasa Daisy The Great, Olive Klug

House of Blues Better Than Ezra, Lost Bayou

Ramblers

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge TBC

Brass Band

Le Bon Temps Roulé Grits & Greens, Letters

Instead

Live After Five Curley Taylor, Zydeco Trouble

Mahalia Jackson Theater Disco Biscuits

NOLA Brewing Co. Ghost Note

Orpheum Theater Gov’t Mule

Republic NOLA Oteil Burbridge, The Nth Power

Rock n Bowl Cowboy Mouth

Saenger Theatre Avett Brothers

Southport Hall The Molly Ringwalds

Spotted Cat Big Fun Brass Band, Chris Johnson

The Broadside The Deslondes, Silver Synthetic

The Howlin Wolf Cool Cool Cool, Snarky Puppy

The Maison Mervin Campbell, Shotgun Jazz

Band

The Rabbit Hole Morning 40 Federation,

Maurice Brown

Three Keys DāM-FunK

Tipitina’s Dr. Klaw, Ian Neville

Zony Mash Steeln’ Peaches

SATURDAY, MAY 6

Bayou Bar Jordan Anderson

Blue Nile Krasno/Moore Project, Marco

Benevento

Cafe Istanbul Melvin Seals & JGB, Nicholas Payton

Cafe Negril Bon Bon Vivant, New Orleans Rug

Cutters

Chickie Wah Wah Peter Rowan

Civic Theatre Lucinda Williams

D.B.A. Eric Lindell, Tuba Skinny

DMACS Pocket Chocolate

Fillmore Joe Russo’s Almost Dead

Gasa Gasa Low Cut Connie

House of Blues Better Than Ezra, Gibson

Howlin’ Wolf Dead House, Worship my Organ

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge TBC

Brass Band

Kingpin Dash Rip Rock

Le Bon Tremps Roule Colin Davis and The

Night People, Soul Rebels

Mahalia Jackson Theater Disco Biscuits

NOLA Brewing Hendrix, Heads and Tails

Republic NOLA Voodoo Dead, George Porter Jr.

Rock n Bowl Bonerama, Kermit Ruffins

Spotted Cat Panorama Jazz Band, Soul Brass Band

The Broadside Honey Island Swamp Band

The Maison Smoking Time Jazz Club

The Rabbit Hole Boyfriend, Pleasure Savior

Tipitina’s Neal Francis

Treme Hideaway Glen David Andrews

Zony Mash Beer Project Steeln’ Peaches

SUNDAY, MAY 7

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young Trio, Tangiers

Combo

Blue Nile Adam

Deitch Quartet

Buffa’s Bar Lynn

Drury

Cafe Istanbul

Gatorators, Bonerama

Cafe Negril John Lisi, Vegas Cola

Chickie Wah Wah Continental Drifters, Jon

Cleary

D.B.A. Stanton Moore Trio, Treme Brass Band

DMACS HG Breland, Duane Bartels

Fillmore Get Busy Or Die

Gasa Gasa Abby & The Arsonists, Elaine

House of Blues Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins,

Howlin’ Wolf Joey Porter, Sammi Garrett

Joy Theater The Word

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge TBC

Brass Band

Le Bon Temps Roulé Dr. Lo Faber, Billy Iuso

Mid-City Lanes Rock n Bowl Sonny Landreth

Orpheum Theater Boney James, Alex Bugnon

Republic NOLA Steve Kimock , George Porter Jr.

Santos Bar Laveda

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band, Wil Blades

The Maison Mervin Campbell

Three Keys Brass-A-Holics, Flag Boy Giz

Tipitina’s DumpstaFiya, Dumpstaphunk

Zony Mash Dirty Dozen Brass Band

MONDAY, MAY 8

Apple Barrel Mark Appleford

Blue Nile The Nth Power

Cafe Negril Cristina Kaminis

D.B.A. Soul Brass Band

DMACS Danny Alexander

Gasa Gasa Demi the Daredevil, Bemo Rouge

Tipitina’s Jason Mingledorff, John Papa Gros

KEEP THE FESTIVITIES

Festival season is just beginning

Blues Fest - April 21-23

Crawfish King Cook-off - May 5

Hot Art Cool Nights - May 12

Soul Food Fest - May 20-21

Live After Five Concert Series: Fridays, April 14 - May 26

Levitt AMP Music Series - Saturdays, May 13 - July 15

Plan Your Trip at visitbatonrouge.com/events

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE

CRESCENT CITY FARMERS’ MARKET’S MOONLIGHT MARKET

April 20, crescentcityfarmersmarket.org/events/moonlight-market Moonlight Market, a fundraiser for the Crescent City Farmers Market, will be held by Market Umbrella this spring. The Thursday Mid-City market, where customers may directly support regional farmers and meet with neighborhood partners, coexists with Moonlight Market. It showcases farm-to-table cuisine from the best New Orleans restaurants and pop-ups, along with a silent auction. Music by Lilli Lewis will be performed with regional beer and garden-to-glass cocktails.

KREWE OF THE BOO: HALFWAY TO

HALLOWEEN

DANCE OFF

April 22 , kreweofboo.com/danceoff

Get everyone moving now that Halloween is officially halfway here. This free, family-friendly event, which is hosted by the costumed dancing krewes of Carnival and Krewe of Boo, features celebrity judges, live DJ music, giveaways, and dance routines by the participating krewes. The event will be from 2p.m. to 6 p.m. located in Spanish Plaza at the Riverwalk.

ZURICH CLASSIC

April 17-23, zurichgolfclassic.com

Springtime means it’s time for the Zurich Classic. The Zurich Classic is the only PGA tour event in the region and is New Orleans’ premier golf tournament. The Zurich Classic boasts a rich history, with play dating back to 1938 and past winners that include golf greats including Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, and Billy Casper, to name a few. This event offers a variety of enhanced experiences in addition to ground tickets.

MARGARITA MIX-OFF FINALS

April 24, lucyssurf.com

Get ready to get your margarita on, and try the best margarita in the city. The Margarita Mix Off Finals are happening on April 24 at Lucy’s Retired Surfer’s Bar and Restaurant. Finalists include Anthony (Grapeful Ape), Brenda (Station 6), Braylon (Bayou Bar), Jerome (JW Marriott), and Tyler (Hot Tin). This event is sponsored by Avion Tequila, Altos Tequila, and Del Maguey Mezcal. Here, you will be able taste the best of the best in the NOLA bartending world face off from 6-10 p.m.

FANATEC GT WORLD CHALLENGE AMERICA

April 28-30, nolamotor.com

Sports car lovers definitely should not miss the 2nd annual Fanatec GT World Challenge America event at Avondale’s NOLA Motorsports Park. In addition to three days of racing, fans will have the opportunity to get up-close to many of the cars and their drivers through autograph sessions and other activities. Some of the supercar manufacturers that will be featured at the event include Aston Martin, Ferrari, BMW, Porsche, and Lamborghini. Advanced tickets are $10, while kids 12 and under can enter for free with a paying adult.

PLAQUEMINES PARISH SEAFOOD FEST

April 28 - 30,

plaqueminesparishfestival.com

Foodies may enjoy a weekend filled with live music, crafts, and delectable seafood. Some of the attractions include carnival rides, handmade items, helicopter tours, as well as nonstop live music throughout the Festival. Guests will also enjoy the festival's annual Seafood Queen Pageant. Adults must pay $5 to enter; however, children under 12 are admitted free.

Plaquemines

As the Mississippi River nears the Gulf of Mexico, orange groves and oyster boats mingle with marsh, swamps and barrier islands to create a unique setting for you to explore. Come experience world class fishing, fresh seafood, history and environmental tours in Louisiana’s Deep Delta Country.

8th Annual One Sack Challenge April 22, 2023

KITE FEST

April 29-30, westbatonrouge. net/kite-festlouisiane/247

KITE FEST

April 29-30,

Kite Fest Louisiane attracts both professional and amateur kite flyers to Port Allen in West Baton Rouge Parish. During the annual Kite Fest Louisiane, where the skies are covered in kites of all sizes and forms, great family fun is always on the menu. Among the activities for kids are a kite-making workshop and kite design. Bring the whole family, some lawn chairs, and enjoy a day of kite flying, food from Louisiana, and displays of indoor flying by world champions. Free entry is offered.

Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival

April 28-30, 2023

www.PlaqueminesParishTourism.com for more information!

POSTERS, CLOTHING & ALL THAT JAZZ

Bud Brimberg Jazzes Up Festival Fashion & Art

By Robert Witkowski

presented by Shell.

LIFE OUT LOUD

Brimberg’s products have become treasured talismans for Jazz Fest regulars. “I love looking at art in the streets,” he says.

Discovering an interest in entrepreneurial business classes, Brimberg abandoned law after passing the bar and set his new business sights on Jazz Fest in it's sixth year. Learning that former alum Quint Davis, “who was two years ahead of me at Tulane and in a band” was running the festival, Brimberg approached Davis for work with the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Colorful book illustrations along with Tulane theatre posters designed by J.R. Davis (no relation to Quint) inspired Brimberg to create his first Jazz Fest poster in 1975, with only a few months until the festival. When presenting his limited edition poster to his former schoolmate, Davis told him, “We already have one.”

Determined, Brimberg said he was still going to sell it, offering to give the festival a percentage off the top. “Quint said, ‘I’ll take it.’ That was the worst deal I ever made,” Brimberg laughs, estimating “Jazz Fest makes more than me in gross, today.”

After seeing his first 1975 Jazz Fest poster, originally priced at $3.95 ($21.79, adjusted to 2023), recently sell online for $2,400, Brimberg launched PrintXchg.com

The peer-to-peer poster sales site exclusively for Jazz Fest posters authenticates and ensures the limited editions art exchanges are safe and legitimate.

BayouWear is for everyone Sporting the 2022 dress, Brandon Blake believes Jazz Fest fashion is as universal as the music.

“Art is everywhere,” says Art4Now founder Bud Brimberg, whose company produces the official posters and clothing for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Brimberg's first Jazz Fest poster

WEARING THE BLUES

But Brimberg’s passion for representing Jazz Fest through art didn’t stop there. Seizing a moment in another quick exchange with Quint Davis in 1981, he changed his business and Jazz Fest apparel forever. When again presenting his new poster design, Davis’s innocuous reaction was unexpectedly inspirational, saying, “It’s okay, but that’s a cool shirt the guy’s wearing in it.”

Brimberg’s response: “Okay, I’ll make a shirt.” And Jazz Fest apparel was born. That first year, his shirts—named HowAhYa Shirts as a homage to the original Hawaiian shirts and Louisiana dialects—did not have an auspicious introduction for audiences. “I knew nothing about printing on clothing, much less needing to have the ink set on the cotton material before wearing it,” Brimberg recounts. “The first day of Jazz Fest was hot, with people sweating, so the ink ran. When they took the shirts

off, they were the first Blue Man Group.” While this may have dissuaded some, the excited New Orleans fans embraced the fiasco. “We put notes in the rest of the shirts: ‘Set colors before wearing.’ No one returned them.”

Learning fast, the clothing mishap was corrected the next season and the clothing designs continued to evoke the Fest’s poster design. “At some point, the shirt needed a life of its own.” And in 1998, the line departed from the posters, evolving into BayouWear—the new brand expanding into shorts, aprons, dresses, unbrellas, and even a brief foray with satin-lined vests.

BUTTON, BUTTON WHO'S GOT THE BUTTON?

Inspiration struck again one day, when he spilled Camellia Red Beans out on a counter. “I noticed that they were the perfect size for a button,” Brimberg says. This launched a new fan obsession.

Irmas Thomas wears the

"Our first cash drawer was a cigar box," Brimberg recalls of Art4Now's humble beginnings at

Jazz Fest 1975 tent.

“People are now saying, ‘We don’t care what the shirt is—what’s the button?’”

A gator tooth button followed the beans. When authentic alligator teeth he found at the Voodoo Museum store "were really ugly," Brimberg brought them to a cosmetic dentist to have him “fix it.” With this signature twist, BayouWear’s Jazz Fest clothing began including buttons emulating streetcar tokens, guitar picks, a compass rose, watermelon seeds, and even record albums. The 2023 shirts introduce the popular water meter cover as buttons.

Indeed, the concession staple is a badge of honor and a fashion statement. While it’s possible to make purchases online, it’s more about the bragging rights of walking into BayouWear’s expansive tent at the Fair Grounds to purchase the newest shirt—and maybe a poster.

ART4NOW = ART FOR ALL

While Brimberg takes pride in “profitably making clothes, always in the U.S.,” his ultimate goal is to “present valid art that communicates” through his products. Brimberg refuses to accept a conflict between fine art vs. communication art. ”The hope is to communicate across the breach,” he says.

For that reason, Brimberg admits he often approaches artists to commission the posters. However, he insists “it’s not a closed loop.” He keeps “open channels” to consider artists’ pitches saying, “If we’re the way to get art into people’s hands, then we’ve succeeded.”

Posters are commissioned once a year, “months and months” ahead, but with enough time to allow for March delivery. Brimberg doesn’t give much thought about the next year until the current festival is well under way, confessing a month before the festival, “2024 is vapor in my mind; I haven’t a clue.”

THIS YEAR

Similar to 1981's inspirational moment when the poster inspired the shirt, excited festival-goers will don colorful clothing depicting French Quarter buildings closely resembling the newest poster. However, a big difference is “this time, the shirt came first,” Brimberg boasts. "It was an uncorrelated accident." Holding Forth painted by James Michalopoulos is the centerpiece of the 2023 Quarter (Love) Note—A Portrait of New Orleans’ French Quarter poster.

The artist’s signature style, captures the neighborhood’s “wavy-gravy surreal” quality, but “elevates his vision of the Quarter through a prism of Escher and Kafka,” according to Brimberg.

New Orleans artist James Michalopoulos was commissioned to create the 2023 poster, and Brimberg broke with the vertical tradition to allow for only the fifth horizontal poster—others including landmark festivals including the 25th and 50th anniversaries when Brimberg felt it needed to "show the landscape" of New Orleans."

With most of his larger works topping out at 72 inches priced between $30,000 to $40,000, the poster’s original art is the massive 96” x 144” painting, Holding Forth by James Michalopoulos “is a very rare and

special piece that does not have a comparable comparison,” says Michalopoulos Gallery’s Cayman Clevenger. “There are truly no comparable works in terms of size or subject matter.”

“The life of New Orleans at its root is foundationally musical, rhythmic,” Michalopoulos says of his seventh painting featured on a Jazz Fest poster. With a palette of bright colors capturing the kinetic energy exuding from the city during Jazz Fest he conveys “the cast of characters in a sense, living and being lived in the Jazz Fest. The whole thing comes together as an observable phenomenon."

When asked to choose his

favorite poster, Michalopoulas says, “While each of the pieces are special to me, I am always most partial to the piece I have worked on last, so in this case it would be the 2023.”

Although contractually forbidden from divulging numbers, Brimberg insists “artists are compensated fairly for their work, scaled to what their work typically commands.” But for him, the money is secondary. Art4Now's Jazz Fest posters and BayouWear are about the art conveying the inspiration of New Orleans culture for festival goers. Brimberg sums it up concisely: “A good meal, time with friends, a nice life.”

Michalopoulos creating the painting for the 2023 poster

JAZZ IN FILM

Movies in a Jazz Fest State of Mind

As we get ready for the good times and great fun that the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will unleash upon us, one surefire way to anticipate its arrival (and keep ourselves entertained in the process) is to prepare a festival of films that celebrate the music that our great city gave to the world.

Of course, it's jazz, which is both America’s music, but very much forever ours. Here are four films that embody the genre that this very festival was based on with a helping hand by some of the biggest artists of yesteryear, and a very special consideration to the patron saint of New Orleans jazz— the inimitable Louis Armstrong.

HIGH SOCIETY (1956) – If you want to talk about music heavyweights, look no further than Cole Porter’s musical remake of The Philadelphia Story, which boasts Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra,

By Jeff Boudreaux

and New Orleans’ own Louis Armstrong. C.K. Dexter-Haven (Crosby) attempts to rekindle a romance with his ex-wife Tracy Lord (the beautiful Grace Kelly), just as she’s about to marry the snobbish George Kittredge (John Lund). Add to the mix a couple of tabloid reporters assigned to the wedding (Sinatra and Celeste Holm), which so happens to be taking place at the very same time as the Newport Jazz Festival, and you have the coolest dual event in the history of Rhode Island. Don’t miss Bing and Satchmo teaming up on “Now You Has

TOUBAB KREWE

Jazz,” and Der Bingle and Ol’ Blue Eyes’ duet on “Well Did You Evah?” With all due respect to Sam Spade, this truly is the stuff of which dreams are made. For widescreen aficionados, this was only the first of two instances (the other being Hitchcock’s North by Northwest) where MGM borrowed Paramount’s signature VistaVision format, so be sure to view this in high definition on the biggest screen possible.

KING CREOLE (1958) – Widely considered to be Elvis Presley’s best film (it is), Director Michael Curtiz (Casablanca) took the reins for this adaptation of Harold Robbins’ “A Stone for Danny Fisher,” with the setting changed from New York to New Orleans, and Fisher’s occupation from a boxer to a nightclub singer because—you know—Elvis. Danny Fisher goes from being a busboy in a strip club on Bourbon, to the absolute toast of the French Quarter when everyone figures out that he can sing. Meanwhile, he’s torn between the sweet and naïve Nellie (Dolores Hart) and the worldly Ronnie (Carolyn Jones), who just happens to be the moll for a dangerous gangster, Maxie Fields (Walter Matthau), with Danny eventually becoming a part of his criminal organization. Featuring the #1 hit “Hard-Headed Woman,” “Trouble,” and the title track, see Elvis serenade customers of a five-and-ten store while his buddies rob them blind. One of the King’s numbers is titled “Dixieland Rock,” which pretty much describes the hybrid music genre that half of these songs belong in. Oh! and the opening sequence where Elvis sings about “Crawfish” must be seen to be believed. Costarring Vic Morrow and Dean Jagger.

THE FIVE PENNIES (1959) – Comedian Danny Kaye stars as jazz cornetist “Red” Nichols (who’s original band included the likes of Glenn Miller and Jimmy Dorsey), who retires from the music industry after his daughter contracts polio. Several years later, that same daughter (now cured and played by Tuesday Weld) is instrumental in Red attempting a comeback with a little help from his wife (Barbara Bel Geddes of Dallas fame) and a few friends, particularly the great Louis Armstrong (spoiler warning: they make some terrific, feel-

good music together). As you watch their duet on the classic hymn-turned-Dixieland standard (turned the city’s NFL rallying cry) “When the Saints Go Marching In,” you will wonder where this rendition has been all your life. While Kaye gives a heartfelt, dramatic performance in this biopic, you can rest assured he also manages to employ a few instances of the physical comedy that he was so known for. Co-starring Bob Crosby (Bing’s brother) and Harry Guardino, you can stream this film on pretty much every pay-to-watch app.

JAZZ FEST: A NEW ORLEANS STORY (2022) How perfect it is that the article ends here (thank goodness for cooperative release dates), since each of the previous films were recommended in the spirit of our beloved Jazz & Heritage Festival. Occasionally, a documentary comes along that manages to captivate completely, making the viewer yearn for more. Like the previous year’s Summer of Soul, this absolute love letter to New Orleans’ culture is one of those films. Learn about how George Wein, pianist and founder of the Newport Jazz Festival, decided in 1970 to celebrate the festivity of jazz music in its rightful birthplace—New Orleans. Teaming with Tulane student Quint Davis to produce, the first annual Jazz & Heritage Festival took place in Congo Square, featuring entertainment by Duke Ellington, Mahalia Jackson, and Fats Domino. Fast forward a half-century later, and the annual festival attracts the biggest names in music—regardless of genre—and cuisine that is as big a draw as the music itself. Featuring interviews and recollections from the diverse artists and individuals that make this institution possible, even the devastation of Katrina couldn’t put a stop to our beloved Jazz Fest, with the only hiccup occurring during the Covid-19 pandemic. Do yourself a favor and rent this terrific documentary on the streaming service of your choice.

BRASS BAND ROLL CALL

By Sabrina Stone

Since the late 1800s, brass bands have been performing at weddings, funerals, parties, and every type of outdoor celebration, all over New Orleans. Mixing elements of marching bands, military bands, jazz, blues, funk, popular American songs, and African traditional genres: brass bands are our musical gumbo. The air here is filled with the sounds they make and the dancing they inspire.

There will be over two dozen local brass bands performing at this year’s Jazz & Heritage Festival. You really can’t go wrong seeing any of them–it was hard to pick–but here are eight of our favorites and why we love them so much.

THE DIRTY DOZEN BRASS BAND

The OG brass band–Dirty Dozen was established in 1977 by a well-known name in jazz history, Benny Jones Sr. Cycling through some of the greatest players in the city over their 4+ decades in existence, the current lineup includes a baritone saxophone, a tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, sousaphone, drums, and guitar. They’ve toured every continent, released

a dozen albums, and this year, they finally won their first Grammy.

BIG SAM’S FUNKY NATION

Once a member of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, founding member of the Stooges Brass Band, NOCCA-graduate Sammie “Big Sam” Williams has put in the work and the time. His presence is as enormous as he is. The personification of funk, his high-energy band, the Funky Nation, brings it.

TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVE

Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews has been playing his horn since the age of four. He performed at his first Jazz & Heritage Festival while he was still in the single digits. No matter how old Shorty gets, he will always be the golden child. He’s performed at the Grammys, at the White House, been in films, tv shows, documentaries, opened for everyone you can imagine, and created the Trombone Shorty Foundation, with the purpose of bringing music education and access to future generations. Also, his music is great.

THE SOUL REBELS

Incorporating a lot of original hip hop and pop-melodic sensibilities into their sound, the Soul Rebels released Poetry in Motion in 2019, a local favorite of original, nontraditional albums from a brass band. They’re worth catching, any day, on their own, but on the Jazz Fest stage this year, they’ll be performing with the Wu-Tang Clan, so that show is sure to be packed.

REBIRTH BRASS BAND

Two of the most famous Mardi Gras singalongs / philosophies in this city were penned by the Rebirth Brass Band: “Do What’cha Wanna” and “Feel Like Funkin’ It Up.” No wonder. Rebirth, founded by brothers Phillip and Keith Frazier, has had an influence on New Orleans since 1983.

The Roots of Music, another incredible youth music initiative, was co-created by Derrick Tabb, Rebirth Brass Band’s snare drummer.

THE ORIGINAL PINETTES BRASS BAND

The Original Pinettes is an all-female brass

band and they play as hard as any of the men. Founded over 30 years ago, their sound is defined by love, community, friendship, and tons of raw brass power.

HOT 8 BRASS BAND

Hot 8 will be kicking off a 19-show tour with their Jazz & Heritage festival performance this year, honoring their late and great beloved bandleader Bennie Pete. The Hot 8 story is one of immense tragedy and massive success. The pain and the joy is present in their sound. If you can’t catch them at Jazz Fest or on their European tour, swing by the Den at Howlin’ Wolf for their Sunday parties (#WeBrassHard).

TRUMPET MAFIA

Founded by Ashlin Parker, this group is about to celebrate its 10-year-anniversary. A fluid collective of high energy performers, and no stranger to performing at JazzFest, what’s unique about Trumpet Mafia is that they regularly welcome guest brass players of all ages, from all continents to sit in on their sets.

New Orleans is known for the sound of its brass bands, and 2023’s Jazz & Heritage Festival makes sure you can catch a few great ones every single day of the festivities.

Rebirth Brass Band Takes the stage at Jazz Fest

ROLL CALL!

It's difficult to pick just a few bands to feature—This genre is exploding with talent, and if you can’t catch one mentioned, please enjoy…

• STORYVILLE STOMPERS BRASS BAND

• STOOGES BRASS BAND

• BIG 6 BRASS BAND

• SOUL BRASS BAND

• PRESERVATION HALL BRASS BAND

• PANORAMA JAZZ BAND

• HERBERT MCCARVER & THE PIN STRIPE BRASS BAND

• DA TRUTH BRASS BAND

• KINFOLK BRASS BAND

• TREME BRASS BAND

• NEW BREED BRASS BAND

• SONS OF JAZZ BRASS BAND

• ONE MIND BRASS BAND

• NEW BIRTH BRASS BAND

• FREE AGENTS BRASS BAND

• WHERE Y'AT BRASS BAND

• ONE SHOT BRASS BAND

• REAL UNTOUCHABLE BRASS BAND

• NEW ORLEANS NIGHTCRAWLERS

Trombone Shorty

Hot 8 Brass Band

Treme Brass Band

The Soul Rebels

Big Sam

MADE-UP MUSICIAN NAMES

How to Assert Your Dominance at Jazz Fest

By Julie Mitchell

Every conversation manages to turn into a memory from "the greatest night" where he saw Bob Dylan play for eight people, then buy them all grilled cheeses, and he was actually here when Jazz Fest first started, and it almost didn’t make it, but he helped it along.

Jazz Fest is unfortunately a Mecca for these kinds of people. It's been going on forever, and there's so much lore. It's too much, and these guys (and gals too, but probably guys) need to be taken down a peg—so lie. With enough confidence and just a little bit of wile, you can knock these guys off their selfappointed know-it-all roost. All you have to do is lie. It’s good sometimes. Make something up. Make them question both the world they live in and themselves.

The only way to deal with a braggart is to gaslight them. Not in an abusive way—in a justified way. Here we have a list of made-up jazz legends for you to name drop whenever you please that will shut up someone who is getting a little carried away with the sound of their own voice.

BIGGS MABEL

Originally from Tennessee, she toured with B.B. King for 30 years. She is the only person to get a Grammy for a harmonica solo on an unreleased live album recording from '91. You were there.

BLEATS NELSON

A Brit who used to play with Mick Jagger when he was just starting out, then left the music industry to take care of his two daughters. He drops in on famous friend's shows once in a while, and, when he does, old heads come out of the green room just to hear him play. He played for the Queen when she was 19 and has refused two lifetime achievement awards.

CASHELL CASHBURN

A child prodigy on the piano, played with Herbie Hancock, but they had a falling out because it's rumored Herbie stole the riff in “Watermelon Man” from him when he was just 12. He gets paid the big bucks to write commercial jingles now, lives in Nashville, and can go up any night of the week whenever he wants. You dropped in at a small club and saw him for $12.

KALINDA MAYBERRY

She started out in bluegrass and grew up in a small town in North Carolina with a religious family. She was discovered by Dave Grohl playing in a coffee shop when he was touring with Nirvana. She ended up playing with the Magic City Jazz Orchestra for 20 years, and then joining the Saturday Night Live house band. She does solo tours in Europe every few years that sell out, with celebrity drop-ins in every major city. You saw her in a concert hall in Berlin and three people fainted.

ELI McBLUESONN

He invented a new instrument that’s a combination of a flute and the drums. It sounds like horses fighting. Most people will never hear it, but you have.

JANUARY FEBRUARY

The youngest person to ever produce an album that went triple platinum. Rumored to have worked with The Beatles on Yellow Submarine but didn’t like the final product so didn’t want to be listed. Vegan.

BERG HERSHEL

He mastered the banjo and five other instruments while enrolled at Juilliard at 15. Now, he exclusively plays with his feet for more of a “challenge.” He refuses to fly in airplanes because of “the curse.”

CRANBERRY HEATH

She did an album of covers at 40 that were so inventive and catchy, it got the attention of many of the original artists and a few labels. She got signed to produce another covers album but ended up collaborating with the artists to make new songs, which cracked the top 10 in the first week of release.

BLEEN HENDERSON

He famously samples dogs in every song. Known for creating unique sounds that hyperfans always try to trace back to a certain breed, but no one’s ever been able to. He records alone and doesn’t talk about his process—very secretive—and owns 14 dogs.

KRANDALL RHODES III

He grew up in the industry as the child of a famous music photographer but refuses to be photographed. He has been on the cover of Rolling Stone three times with no picture—they just start the article on the cover.

GUS “TINY” FRANKLINTON

He only plays miniature or toy instruments and played backup for Willie Nelson for twenty-two years before people noticed he was using a Fisher Price tambourine. He has never been married.

BRANTON WINSTON MARSALIS

The hidden, secret brother of famous musicians Branford and Wynton, Branton has his own sound. Shunned by his family for hating jazz, he found his own way with the local metal scene, slowly integrating the improvisational style he grew up learning, with the screaming, throaty vocals of his new friends. The result was something exciting and different that even the most experienced of music writers can’t seem to find words to describe.

TINA TINA

Known as “The Princess of Rock n’ Roll,” she built her repertoire from frequent gigs at both her local church choirs and seedy nightclubs. She became known for her “sexy hymn” sound that music fans could not get enough of.

And there you have it: A whole roster of fake musicians to pull out whenever someone’s getting a little braggy or had a few too many and starts going on and on about the “magic” or whatever. If you really want to go the extra mile, make fake band t-shirts for a few of these to wordlessly assert your dominance from afar, without any engagement needed. Happy Jazzfest.

LEGALLY BOMBED

Drinking Mandates in New Orleans

From open-container regulations to frozen cocktails in the driver’s seat—the truth about New Orleans’ liquor laws.

New Orleans loves its drinks. With several cocktails having originated here, endless alcohol-fueled festivities around town, and comparatively lax drinking laws, the city has certainly earned its reputation as the drinking destination of the South. It’s the land of the go-cup. The home of the drive-thru daiquiri. In New Orleans, cocktails are king, and booze is boss. Alcoholic beverages even get their own festivals in this city.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism puts Louisiana at just above the halfway point for alcohol consumption by state, at number 21. So contrary to popular belief, New Orleans residents don’t really have liquor pulsing through their veins. Yet, average annual consumption is 2.59 gallons of alcohol per person—which is, coincidentally, equal to 2.5 times the amount of blood in the entire human body. But if you’re picturing New Orleanians drinking bottles of wine with a straw, serving beer to school children, and sipping whiskey behind the wheel, nobody actually does that. At least, not legally.

Even though most locals are happy to laissez les bons temps rouler with an adult beverage in hand, it’s really not as laissezfaire as you might think. The Louisiana State Legislature and New Orleans Municipal Code have hundreds of laws about who can imbibe, serve, sell, or distribute alcohol, along with where, when, and how much. We’re here to set the record straight on a few of the high points.

TAKE IT TO THE STREETS

People in New Orleans really know how to hold their liquor—and they can keep right on holding it wherever they go—sort of. Yes, you can bring your drink with you most anywhere in public, and that includes in the streets, parks, or on sidewalks. Just put it in a nice plastic go-cup before you go, since drinking from, or even carrying, open glass beverage containers beyond the bar is illegal and can result in a court summons or eventual arrest. And Section 54-409 of the Municipal Code declares that you won’t be allowed to drink while you’re in court, either.

A little-known fact: All those folks you see swigging beer from cans are also

technically in violation of New Orleans code, since metal to-go is likewise a no-go.

And an even lesser-known fact? New Orleans’s open-container laws don’t actually extend beyond the edges of the French Quarter. No one will fault you for spilling your Hand Grenade all over the pavement, as long as your location doesn’t spill over beyond the perimeter of Canal, Rampart, and Esplanade.

Of course, that doesn’t seem to stop most nomadic drinkers in other neighborhoods, and luckily, most authorities either don’t know or don’t care about those last two technicalities, so these rules are almost never enforced.

PUBLIC DISPLAYS OF INEBRIATION

Although you can tote your booze while you meander, don’t let it go to your head. Despite what you might witness on Bourbon Street, public consumption is legal, but public intoxication is not. Not if you’re a rowdy drunk. If you’re caught getting sloshed on a fishbowl’s worth of fruit-flavored liquid aggression, you could end up with a fine, time in the slammer, or an ugly mark on your permanent record.

Now, the cops might not arrest you directly and, instead, could opt to take

By Kathy Bradshaw

DRIVE ONE TO DRINK

Even in the city where, by law, you can bring frozen alcoholic concoctions directly into your car from a pickup window, you’re not allowed to drink and drive. To be clear, your passengers can’t imbibe while your vehicle is moving either.

The overriding rule is that nobody can drive with an open container of alcohol— “open” meaning any booze-filled vessel where the lid is missing, seal is broken, or some of the liquid is gone. There’s an entirely separate clause for the esteemed frozen beverages, but even they must abide by these standards. That’s why you can’t stick a straw in your drive-thru daiquiri until it’s out of your car, since the straw would break the seal and render the container open Keep in mind that drinking in parking lots is also forbidden.

On the other hand, if you’re a passenger in a cab, Uber, or motor home that’s at least 21 feet long, drink up. Open containers are also allowed in the trunks of cars, so presumably, if you can squeeze inside, you could have a party in the trunk.

When driving, the trick is to not be overly conspicuous about what’s in your cup. Subtlety and lack of obvious boozeidentifying markings are key. If your drink isn’t simply shouting to the world that it’s spiked, no officer can pull you over.

INTO THE MOUTHS OF BABES

you to a “sobriety center” until the buzz wears off. But don’t worry, if they try to make you go to rehab, and you say, “No, no, no,” they won’t take you in without your verbal consent. Go home and sleep it off in your own bed if you’d rather, but that won’t mean you’re off the hook.

Even if someone looks old enough to be your grandma, demand proof. As in the other 49 states, the legal drinking age in Louisiana is 21, and they don’t take this lightly. Anyone caught giving alcohol to a minor—who isn’t the child’s parent, legal guardian, or spouse—can be fined $500 to $1,000 or sent to jail for between 30 days and six months—or both.

But no one is keeping tabs on what those youngsters are guzzling at home. Mom, Dad, and hubby are legally allowed to buy their underaged companions a stiff drink, even in a restaurant or bar; however, this is at the discretion of the establishment. If house rules proclaim no cocktails for kiddos, the business can refuse to serve anyone under 21, and no amount of insisting (or sneaking) will help. The house always wins.

2023 : AN A.I. ODYSSEY

Is NOLA's Art Scene ready for Artificial Intelligence?

This picture was created from the above text using Midjourney, an AI-image generator. Even more impressive is that it rendered it, along with three alternates, in under one minute—infinitely less than 1% the amount of time it would take a seasoned artist to produce just one.

AI has quickly become the hot-button tech-topic of 2023. Google CEO Sundar Pichai heralds it as the most important human invention since fire or electricity; likewise, engineers integral to its development have warned it is the most dangerous innovation we have conjured up since the atom bomb.

Regardless, the genie is out the bottle. As every major tech company races to develop the one AI to rule them all, we are all along for the ride.

“I often joke that AI is a solution waiting for a problem,” says Ron Domingue, a local digital artist and an adjunct professor teaching digital art at Loyola University.

“One AI discovered eight radio signals in space just like that—something scientists haven’t been able to do for years, even with all of our analysis. It is solving problems we don’t even know are problems yet.”

A 3D-illustrator at stock-image provider Shutterstock, Domingue has been experimenting with AI-image generation software since its inception. His experience navigating the various applications for AI art, as well as its ethical considerations, landed him a coveted speaking panel on the topic at this year’s South by Southwest festival.

Domingue believes it won’t be long before big company’s begin employing AI efficiency experts, in much the same way that Social Media Officers became a new speciality last decade.

“You are going to have business experts asking, ‘Can we solve this problem with AI instead of actually getting an artist?’” Domingue foreshadows. “Artists will need to know where their spot is and be able to fill that gap; otherwise, they will get passed up by this technology.”

This future is already beginning to take shape. Earlier this year, Netflix released the Anime-short The Dog & The Boy using AI-generated art for its backgrounds amid an animator shortage.

On a macro-level, articles abound pontificating which industries will be left extinct in AI’s wake. However, in the tiny societal microcosm that is New Orleans, what threats and opportunities does AI-hold for a city that has served as a muse to some of the world’s most renowned artists, musicians, and writers? Could the many artists in Jackson Square capturing our cultural beauty in their works be cast aside by an algorithm that can churn out 100-unique images like the one above in a matter of minutes?

Here, Domingue believes the ball is still in the artists’ court.

“There will always be a demand for tactile art,” he argues. “A print of a famous work of art may go for a few bucks, but the original oil and canvas can fetch millions. At this point, digital art can just mass produce prints.”

Domingue further argues that buyers are now keen to the possibility of an image being AI-generated, much the same way we are accustomed to easily sniffing out poorly photoshopped pictures, making originals in greater demand.

“It’s the old adage of if you plagiarize one source, you’re stealing; if you plagiarize many, you are creating,” he quips. “Like Netflix did [with The Boy & The Dog], it is good for the pieces, but not the final product. I teach students to think how they can save time using AI—say, creating pre-composition thumbnails, or constructing some of the nominal, boring background elements.”

This parts-versus-whole philosophy was recently given legal consideration by the United States Copyright Office this past February. The ruling, one of the first related to AI-generated art ownership, granted the creator of the comic Zarya of the Dawn ownership of “parts” of her book—the images, created by Midjourney, were omitted, as they were not the product of “human authorship.”

“My approach with students is, they have to be introduced to this,” says Domingue. “We as artists and creators can’t be lazy anymore. We have to ask ourselves, ‘Can I do this better than AI?’ or ‘What can I offer that AI can’t?’”

Here lies the challenge for young artists.

First, smaller tasks generally assigned to entry level artists and interns. For example, creating social media graphics or writing clickbait listicles can now be more quickly and cheaply spit out using AI. This could make the barrier of entry into certain fields and companies more steep.

Another concern is exposure to these tools. A 20192020 State of Public Education in New Orleans report released by the Tulane University Cowen Institute revealed that more than 80 percent of public school students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, nearly 20% of which lacked adequate internet access at home.

Working with AI is not only important for artists, but will increasingly become an important skill in the business world moving forward. Ensuring our future leaders and professionals are experienced in these technologies is vital.

“Artists and creatives who don’t figure out how to use AI to their advantage will get passed up by someone who does,” warns Domingue. “You can feel that things are changing, and I don’t know where they are going, but those who don’t have a good grasp on it will get squeezed out by this technology.”

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” This is an adage everyone knows. Dating back roughly 100 years, this statement is now be proven quantifiably false. In fact, these images aren’t even 10 words—or less than 1% that figure.

By Greg Roques

HAL might ask: "What are you painting, Dave?"

Bar Guide

Alto (Ace Hotel)

600 Carondelet St.

504-900-1180

Babylon Sports Bar

2917 Harvard Ave., Suite A

504-324-9961

Bar Marilou

544 Carondelet St.

504-814-7711

Boot Scootin’ Rodeo

522 Bourbon St.

504-552-22510 4132

Club 38 4132 Peters Rd.

504-366-7711

Evangeline

329 Decatur St.

504-373-4852

Fillmore New Orleans

6 Canal St.

504-881-1555

House of Blues

225 Decatur St.

504-310-4999

Jinx Bar and Grill

91 French Market Pl.,

504-510-2797

Lots A Luck Tavern

203 Homedale St.

504-483-0978

Martine’s Lounge

2347 Metairie Rd.

504-831-8637

Pal’s Lounge

949 N. Rendon St.

504-488-7257

Rosie’s on the Roof

1000 Magazine St.

504-528-1941

Stained Glass Winehouse

201 Huey P Long Ave.

504-812-0930

Stumpy’s Hatchet House

1200 Poydras St., Suite C

504-577-2937

The Garage

810 Conti St.

The Marsh Room Patio Bar & Grill

4740 Rye St.

504-571-5733

The Metropolitan

310 Andrew Higgins Blvd.

504-568-1702

The Rabbit Hole

1228 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.

504-354-9709

The Royal Frenchmen Remedy Bar

700 Frenchmen St.

504-619-9660

Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar

2604 Magazine St.

504-897-5413

Treme Hideaway

1234 Claiborne Ave.

504-301-4441

Tropical Isle

Multiple Locations

504-523-1927

Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ

401 Andrew Higgins Blvd.

504-569-8459

OLMECA ALTOS • AVIÓN TEQUILA, DEL MAGUEY VIDA MEZCAL

MARGARITA MIX-OFF

FINALS: APRIL 24 at

Located on top of the Ace Hotel, Alto is a chill spot to hang out with your friends. You can cool down with some of the bar’s signature cocktails like Calypso and Turkish Royale.

Babylon is a great place to watch football and listen to live music in Metairie. The bar also provides a homey atmosphere with reasonable prices on all of their drinks.

Bar Marilou has a sophisticated French-style atmosphere in a very beautiful location alongside the Maison de la Luz hotel. The bar offers plenty of wine, beer, and craft cocktails.

If you’re in the mood for country, Boot Scootin’ Rodeo is your place. This country bar plays good old music and serves cold beer and cocktails. Mechanical bull included.

Located inside Boomtown Casino & Hotel in Harvey, Club 38 is the perfect VIP experience. Available through Boomtown’s mychoice® loyalty program, guests can enjoy complimentary food and drinks after signing up.

Evangeline provides some of the best Cajun food that can be found in the French Quarter. Enjoy local craft beers and other drinks the restaurant offers like the strawberry blonde or the rum punch.

The Fillmore is a beautiful, state-of-the-art 22,000 square-foot entertainment space above Harrah’s Casino. While there for a night of live music, make sure to grab a cocktail in BG’s Lounge.

The House of Blues offers one of the best nightlife experiences in all of NOLA. Choose from a long list of beers, wines, and more and jam out to one of the venue’s many live music events.

Located right next to the French Market, JINX has an extensive beer list and top-notch cocktails such as the Decatur Mule, El Guapo, and Blue Milk. It offers hookahs with different flavors to choose from.

Lots A Luck Tavern is one of the best places in New Orleans to play bar games. Watch the next big football game while enjoying some cold beer or some of the bar’s other refreshments.

Cold beer and other specialty drinks including frozen Irish coffee, cherry limeade, and frozen sangria await at Martine’s Lounge. Pop-ups are frequently are on-site to offer food.

Open from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., Pal’s Lounge is one of New Orleans’ perfect late-night spots. Some of Pal’s most popular, and affordable, drinks include the gingerita, the watermelon mojito, and the bacon Bloody Mary.

Located atop of the Higgins Hotel, Rosie’s surrounds guests with World War II-era Americana. Cold beer and delicious small plates like fries loaded with brisket and bacon cheese curds are available.

Stained Glass is Gretna’s premiere self-serve wine bar. This upscale, unpretentious bar offers over 300 wine bottles and 24 self-serve wine taps, as well as spirits, draft beer, and cocktails.

Stumpy’s Hatchet House gives patrons the perfect opportunity to test their hatchet-throwing skills. Light snacks and refreshing drinks from Stumpy’s fully-stocked bar are available for a quick pick-me-up.

Enjoy all sorts of entertainment like live music and open mic nights at The Garage. In addition to a fully stocked bar, the venue offers tasty NOLA favorites such as gumbo and spicy beef yaka mein.

The Marsh Room is one of the best establishments to hang out at in Metairie. While sipping on your favorite drink, grab some bites such as cheese curds, steak, and the bar’s “Marsh burger.”

The Metropolitan is one of New Orleans’ premiere nightclubs. While partying with your friends, make sure to visit the multiple different bars located all around the large, two-story club.

The Rabbit Hole is a truly eclectic club that always provides a great night of fun. Enjoy the venue’s outdoor and indoor stages for live music, as well as The Rabbit Hole’s downstairs bar.

The Royal Frenchmen Hotel is a cozy spot to stay to be close to the Frenchmen Street action. It also features a great bar in the lobby with a fantastic Happy Hour and live music on the weekends.

Beer lovers will be happy when they see Tracey’s six draught taps and over 100 bottles of different brands to choose from. The bar also serves delicious oysters, poboys, and more.

Treme Hideaway is one of New Orleans’ best kept secrets. Tucked away in the historic Treme neighborhood, locals can flock to this night club for R&B music, DJ sounds, and hot food.

Tropical is a Bourbon Street staple that is beloved by both tourists and locals. The bar is best known for being the birthplace of the “hand grenade,” aka New Orleans’ most powerful drink.

Complete with beer, 15 TVs, and an outdoor patio, Ugly Dog Saloon is the perfect spot to watch the Saints game. Enjoy delicious, smoky BBQ classics such as Buffalo fried ribs and smoked pulled pork.

$20 AND UNDER Feast Like You're Festin'

By Kim Ranjbar

As much as we all love the music, art, and food at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, we can't all go. Maybe you came here during those two magical weeks for work, not to play, perhaps you suffer from enochlophobia—an intense fear of crowds, or it could simply be that you couldn't scrape up the dough. Whatever the reason, we understand your plight and we're here for you.

For out-of-towners, Jazz Fest is, admittedly, an efficient way to get a glut of local culture, music, and food in one fell swoop, but all of that incredible food (and music) is available all across town; you just have to seek them out, and that's where we come in.

Not far from the festival grounds on N. Carrollton Avenue is a restaurant everyone should have on their radar called Toups' Meatery. Owned and operated by Chef Isaac Toups and his wife Amanda, this Mid-City spot has been open for over a decade serving elevated Cajun cuisine with a French/Creole slant and an emphasis on everything meaty. From crispy turkey necks with pepper jelly and pork belly corn dogs, to their irresistible cracklins, it's a

carnivore's fantasy. Toups makes everything in house, and that includes their spicy boudin which can be had rolled up into balls, breaded in panko, and deep fried to a golden brown, resulting in a crunchy exterior and almost creamy interior. Three large boudin balls are served with a spoonful of Cajun mustard for $7.

It sometimes seems like a festival in New Orleans can't be a festival in New Orleans if they aren't serving Vacresson's sausage po-boys—from the Oak Street PoBoy Festival and French Quarter Festival to Jazz Fest and beyond. Strangely enough, festivals were the only place to score Vaucresson's sausages since the levee failures of 2005 wiped out their operations in the 7th Ward. But, inch

by inch, they grew back into being, thanks in no small part to the “Sausage King” Vance Vaucresson, the family's third generation of marvelous meat makers and the man who re-launched Vaucresson's Creole Cafe & Deli on St. Bernard Avenue in 2022. Are you craving that Vacresson's hot sausage po-boy you could only find at the fest? Well, now you can just go get one almost anytime you wish, and it'll only set you back $12.

It's hard not to love and crave a crawfish pie. Made with the trinity and a roux, it's like ettouffee wrapped in a flaky pie crust. What could be better than that? Maybe, just maybe, a crawfish boil pie from Windowsill? Located on Freret Street, this tiny cafe is owned and managed

A Mango Freeze is one of the many festival treats available outside the gates

by pie masters Nicole Eiden and Marielle Dupré who have been wrapping our hearts in their incredible pastry crusts since they started slinging their pies a decade ago at local farmers’ markets. Though their sweet pies are certainly something to rave about, their seasonal crawfish boil pies are exceptional. All of the essentials found in a great crawfish boil—garlic, potatoes, onions, corn, mushrooms, seasoning, and Louisiana crawfish—ensconced within a flaky and buttery crust. A 6-inch pie that feeds two is only $17, but you can also get a hand pie for $5.50 leaving plenty of room for dessert. Speaking of crawfish, let's discuss the spectral-like phenomenon called crawfish bread, appearing for Jazz Fest and vanishing when the Fair Grounds close on secondweekend Sunday like a visitor's inhibitions on Bourbon Street. You may not believe it, but this elusive creature can be had outside the fest. At Gabrielle, a “Cajun food restaurant with New Orleans flair,” chefs and owners Greg and Mary Sonnier are cooking up dishes including BBQ shrimp pie and dark roux gumbo with duck, rabbit, and Guinea hen, but they also offer that classic Jazz Fest treat. Made with Louisiana crawfish, cheese, and butter, Gabrielle's crawfish bread is a seasonal, take-and-bake item sold on a full 12” loaf of Leidenheimer and big enough for the whole family. That's not bad for ringing in slightly over budget at $20 plus tax.

Everyone loves Miss Linda's yakamein, a bowl guaranteed to cure even the roughest hangover. Made with shredded boiled beef, seasoned beef broth, spaghetti noodles,

and a hard-boiled egg, Yakamein gained national recognition thanks to Anthony Bourdain when the recipe re-emerged after Hurricane Katrina. Now you can find yakamein all over the city, from the smallest gas station to white tablecloth restaurants, but today's pick is from Three Muses on Frenchmen Street. Owned and operated by the illustrious Miss Sophie Lee (a jazz singer in her own right), this cozy venue offers the best of three worlds: cocktails, food, and live music. Slurp down a bowl of yakamein and be serenaded by jazz pianist Tom McDermott, or turn of the century tunes from the Bad Penny Pleasuremakers. But what about dessert? You can always grab a Mango Freeze from Morning Call Coffee Stand, or a sno-ball at Hansen's on Tchoupitoulas, but you can't beat the classic, Crescent City donut, the powderedsugar-laden beignet. You can get them at the usual spots (Cafe Du Monde, etc.), but have you ever tasted one of the pillowy monsters at Cafe Beignet? Open for a little over 30 years, this coffee shop began on Royal Street and has since expanded to four locations, but the favorite is on Bourbon Street. Featuring an expansive courtyard dedicated to the preservation of New Orleans' unique musical culture (with nearly life-size bronze statues of Al “Jumbo” Hirt, Antoine “Fats” Domino, Pete Fountain, Chris Owens, Ronnie Kole, Louis Prima, Allen Toussaint, and Irma Thomas), it's choice to kick back at Cafe Beignet, munch till you're dusted in a blanket of powdered sugar, sip on cafe au lait, and enjoy live jazz music from local bands on the daily.

Gabrielle

Café Beignet

Toups Meatery

RESTAURANT GUIDE

AMERICAN

Alto Rooftop Bar, atop the Ace Hotel, is perfect for socializing. Enjoy small plates like Gulf shrimp wraps or caprese paninis while sipping $8 specialty drinks during happy hour. 600 Carondelet St, 504-900-1180, acehotel.com

Crescent City Steaks, Louisiana’s oldest family-owned steakhouse, is known for their mouthwatering New Orleans-style steaks sizzled in butter. Their award-winning menu offers delicious options, including broiled lobster tail and shrimp cocktails. 1001 N. Broad St., 504821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com

Daisy Dukes’ takes a simple approach to great Southern classics. Favorites include a blackened alligator platter with gumbo, red beans, fried green tomatoes, remoulade, and a biscuit, and their delicious po-boys. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant in Old Gretna is perfect for families and their furry friends. Enjoy great drinks and tasty sandwiches such as the Rueben or roast beef po-boy in the beautiful courtyard. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna, 504-368-1114, gattusos.net

Houmas House & Gardens contains three different restaurants that cater to your specific tastes and price range. Take the family to the Carriage House and enjoy some Louisiana ribs, turtle soup, or lasagna. 401336 LA-942, Darrow, 225-473-9380, houmashouse.com

JB’s Fuel Dock serves mouth-watering pizzas and specials with a waterfront view. The open kitchen and bar layout create an intimate atmosphere. Try the JB’s classic burger or the pepperoni calzone. 126 S. Roadway St., 504510-2260, jbsfueldock.com

Jimmy J’s Café serves funky all-day breakfast like beignet sticks, crab cake Benedict, and French toast Monte Cristo. Don't miss the cochon panini, and try their specials including bananas Foster French toast and Irish coffee. 115 Chartres St., 504-309-9360, jimmyjscafe. com

Legacy Kitchen Steak + Chop offers some of the best steaks on the Westbank. Whether you order the sirloin, tomahawk, or even the Legacy surf and turf, you will be eating a great cut of meat. 91 Westbank Expy #51, Gretna, 504513-2606, legacykitchen.com American

Luke, in the heart of the French Quarter, serves classic Louisiana cuisine in an elegant setting. Indulge in Oyster Rockefeller, blackened redfish, and jambalaya with handcrafted cocktails. Experience attentive service for a memorable dining of authentic Creole flavors. 333 St Charles Ave., 504-378-2840, lukeneworleans.com

Manning’s Sports Bar & Grill is themed around New Orleans' favorite quarterback, Archie Manning. Enjoy sports and great food, including jalapeno poppers, fried catfish fingers, and nachos with a beer. 519 Fulton St., 504-5938118, caesars.com

Nola Steak is a prime destination for steak lovers in New Orleans. Offering an extensive selection of hand-cut, aged steaks and an extensive wine list, diners can enjoy a luxurious and sophisticated meal. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, 504-805-5596, boomtownneworleans.com/dining/nolasteak

Spudly’s Super Spuds serves the best baked potatoes in Greater New Orleans. They have been serving meals in baked potatoes for over 40 years, with options such as crawfish, chicken, chili, and specialty sandwiches. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie, 504-455-3250, spudlys.com

The Country Club is a Bywater gem with elegant decor and a pool area. Savor quality cocktails and exquisite dishes such as Black Angus burgers or grilled Norwegian salmon. Don't miss their weekend drag brunches. 634 Louisa St., 504-945-0742,

thecountryclubneworleans.com

The Steakhouse at Harrah’s blends classic New Orleans flavors with unforgettable steaks. Try the charred Gulf oysters, Louisiana BBQ shrimp, and chef’s cheese plate as starters. Choose from an extensive wine list to complement your meal.

8 Canal St., 504-533-6111, caesars.com

Ugly Dog Saloon serves up delicious BBQ and offers a great spot to watch sports. Dig into the slow-cooked Lafitte Pig with tangy sauces and pair it with a cold beer. Enjoy outdoor seating, too. 401 Andrew Higgins Blvd., 504-569-8459, theuglydogsaloon.com

Voodoo Chicken and Daiquiris has juicy and flavorful voodoo chicken and delicious daiquiris. The menu features a variety of classic New Orleans dishes such as jambalaya and gumbo, as well as a full bar. Multiple Locations, voodoochickenanddaiquirisnola.com

Flamingo A-Go-Go is a fun and funky spot to hang with friends. Order creative "flocktails" like the Bloody Mary A-Go-Go and Forester Old Fashioned. Share tasty appetizers such as garlic chicken parmesan bites or the tuna poke bowl. 869 Magazine St., 504-577-2202, flamingonola.com

JINX Bar & Grill, in the heart of the Quarter, serves tasty sandwiches and burgers including the Big Kahuna, plus shareable plates including JINX wings and Foghorn fingers. Enjoy happy hour and signature cocktails while soaking up the city's atmosphere. 91 French Market Pl., 504-510-2797, jinxnola.com

Le Bon Temps Roule is where the good times roll Uptown, featuring live music and some of the best Bloody Marys and sandwiches in the city. Be sure to try the killer blackened mahi sandwich and their satisfying sides. 4801 Magazine St., 504-897-3448, lbtrnola.com

French fry. 2604 Magazine St., 504-897-5413, traceysnola.com

CAFE

Carmo fuses Caribbean and Southeast Asian flavors. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly, they offer dishes like vegan ceviche and Burmese tea leaf salad. Try their unique baked bread with havarti or vegan cheese. 527 Julia St., 504-8754132, cafecarmo.com

The Vintage is a great spot to grab a bite and people watch. Nibble on some of their traditional beignets, or wrap your hands around either their Italian, caprese, veggie, or BBQ chicken pressed sandwiches. 3121 Magazine St., 504-324-7144, thevintagenola.com

Willa Jean offers retro-chic vibes with Southern-inspired breakfast items including their famous biscuits and avocado toast. Pair with coffee or cocktails for the perfect start to your day. 611 O’Keefe Ave., 504-509-7334, willajean.com

FRENCH

Café Degas is a classic French bistro, serving up award-winning dishes for over a decade. The lunch and dinner menus feature traditional French fare such as escargots and quiche, while brunch includes Belgian waffles. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 504-945-5635, cafedegas.com

ITALIAN

A Tavola Restaurant & Wine Bar is a go-to spot after a shopping spree at Lakeside Shopping Center. Indulge in authentic Italian dishes such as Neapolitan-style pizza and gourmet pasta and wash it down with one of their select wines. 3413 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, 504-5772235, atavo.la

ASIAN

Asia is one of many top-notch restaurants located in Boomtown Casino. Diners can expect authentic Chinese and Vietnamese fare. Try popular dishes such as General Tso’s chicken, fried rice, and tofu vegetables. 4132 Peters Rd., Harvey, 504-366-7711, boomtownneworleans.com

Thai'd Up offers modern Thai street food near the Fairgrounds. Try their homemade beef jerky and butter Thai shrimp. Stay refreshed with Thai or jasmine tea. The warm atmosphere makes it perfect for a casual meal. 1839 Gentilly Blvd., 504-354-8202, thaidupla.com

Mikimoto has served authentic Japanese cuisine with a modern twist for 20 years. Skilled chefs prepare traditional dishes, including sushi, with great care. Don't miss the Geaux Saints or Sex in the City rolls. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

Bar Marilou is a chic French-style bar offering creative cocktails, wine, and virgin drinks. Enjoy seared scallops, foie gras, or indulge in caviar selections like kaluga royal or trout roe. 544 Carondelet St., 504-814-7711, barmarilou.com

Buffa's Bar & Restaurant, since 1939, is a must-visit Marigny spot serving live music and a warm atmosphere. Enjoy the Reuben sandwich, sip cocktails, or attend traditional jazz brunches. "The best place you’ve never been.”

1001 Esplanade Ave., 504-949-0038, buffasbar.com

Down the Hatch Bar & Grill in the Garden District offers a variety of delicious dishes, including wings, salads, po-boys, burgers, shawarma, and gyro with hummus, pita, and basmati rice. Try their homemade bread pudding for dessert. Multiple Locations, downthehatchnola.com

Rivershack Tavern is a cozy live music club, sports bar, and neighborhood tavern. Enjoy hearty food and a nice selection of beer. Try the famous fried pickles and the delicious Tex-Mex burger. 3449 River Rd., Jefferson, 504-834-4938, rivershacktavern.com

Stumpy's Hatchet House combines food and fun with private hatchet throwing pits, perfect for socializing with friends and family. Refuel with hot dogs, nachos, and beer at the snack bar. 1200 Poydras St., 504-577-2937, stumpyshh.com/neworleansla

The Bombay Club is known for some of the best food and drinks in the Quarter, including classic cocktails such as the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz, and unique creations like the Cissy Strut and Baroness Clementine. 830 Conti St., 504-321-6932, bombayclubneworleans.com

The Garage is perfect for live music and tasty food. Sing your heart out during their open mic nights, savor a cold drink, and dance to the live band. Don't miss their fried okra and other Southern classics. 810 Conti St., thegaragemusicclub.com

The Jimani is perfect for late-night food, drinks, and sports. Enjoy all DIRECTV packages, UFC, and 10 huge screens. Sip over 100 different beers and try their Chicago-style hot dogs, pizza, and strong Jell-O shots 141 Chartres St., 504-524-0493, thejimani.com

The Marsh Room Patio Bar and Grill is a lively spot for delicious food and signature cocktails. With karaoke nights and live music, it's the perfect place to enjoy the city's vibe. 4740 Rye St., Metairie, 504-571-5733, facebook. com/marshroom

Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar is not just for St. Patrick’s Day. Try the different beers on offer alongside one of Tracey’s specialty po-boys such as surf & turf, fried catfish, roast beef, alligator sausage, and

Domenica is a must-visit restaurant in the historic Roosevelt Hotel. Enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients with handmade pastas, Neapolitanstyle pizzas, and classic Italian dishes. Traditional cooking techniques ensure a memorable experience. 123 Baronne St., 504-648-6020, domenicarestaurant.com

Josephine Estelle blends classic Italian recipes with Southern flavors using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, or dinner with dishes such as seared scallops and 48-hour braised beef short ribs. Savor drinks like the Amalfi 75. 600 Carondelet St., 504-930-3070, josephineestelle.com

Mosca’s Restaurant is one of the best-known made-from scratch Italian restaurants in the Westbank and has been a favorite for over 60 years. Go for their signature Oysters Mosca or amazing plates including chicken cacciatore. 4137 US-90 W., Westwego, 504-436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com

Nephew’s Ristorante has served quality and authentic Sicilian dishes in New Orleans for years. The menu is filled with tasty entrees such as veal, eggplant parmigiana, and grilled rosemary chicken, as well as seafood options. 4445 W. Metairie Ave., Metairie, 504-533-9998, nephewsristorante.com

Pizza Domenica is the best place to enjoy Italian classics in a casual and lively atmosphere. Try their specialty gourmet pizzas and finish up with the lemon pound cake or the banana Nutella stromboli. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com

Tavolino Pizza & Lounge is definitely worth crossing the Crescent City Connection or the ferry to the Westbank. Tavolino specializes in authentic thin crust pizzas, with specialties including the Behrman Hwy, red goat, and that’s a spicy meatball. 141 Delaronde St., Algiers, 504-605-3365, tavolinonola.com

Venezia specializes in delicious home-style Italian cuisine with a New Orleans twist.

Mikimoto

Jimmy J’s Specials

Monte Cristo French Toast

shaved ham, American cheese, bacon & home fries

Cochon Panini

slow-roasted pulled pork, Provolone, bell peppers, bacon jam, fried egg on a pressed panini

Shrimp and Grits

shrimp sautéed in a cream of garlic sauce over grits & served with white toast

Crab Cake Benedict

2 poached eggs, 2 sautéed crab cakes, hollandaise on a toasted English muffin

Dirty South Bowl

shrimp, andouille sausage, garlic cream sauce over breakfast potatoes topped with Parmesan cheese

Steak Burrito

steak, home fries, eggs, Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, Chipotle Southwest sauce wrapped in a spinach tortilla

RESTAURANT GUIDE

LATIN

Empanola makes the best empanadas in the city, offering unique flavors including beef Argentina, chorizo Mexicana, and gumbo. Pair with a refreshing drink such as Argentine maté tea. Multiple Locations, empanolaempanadas.com

MEXICAN

Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria is home to the best margaritas and tacos in town at an affordable price with friendly service. Enjoy the Mexico City tacos, Baja style, or gringos tacos. Multiple Locations, felipestaqueria.com

Juan’s Flying Burrito has been serving fun tasty Mexican fare for 26 years, featuring the most unique burritos around. Be sure to try the big bowl with skirt steak, potatoes, black beans, and more at their newest location on Oak Street. Multiple locations, juansflyingburrito.com

Mr. Tequila Bar & Grill adds a Tex-Mex twist on traditional Mexican recipes. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, or the popular 88-ounce margarita, Mr. Tequila offers a mouth watering selection of dishes that are sure to satisfy. 5018 Freret St., 504-766-9660, mrtequilanola.com

Tacos Del Cartel serves up some of the best tacos in Metairie. Choose from a variety of meats including al pastor and carne asada, and wash it down with a margarita, craft cocktail, or tequila flight. 2901 David Dr., Metairie, 504-381-5063, tacosdelcartel.com

A Tavola

Enjoy pizza from their original stone oven or classic dishes such as lasagna and chicken marsala. Perfect for a Sunday family meal. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-488-7991, venezianeworleans.net

MIDDLE EASTERN

Gita Pita serves up delicious Middle Eastern food quickly. From shawarma bowls to pita wraps, they have it all. Don't miss out on the veggie sampler or the Greek fries. Finish with

their sweet baklava. 2530 Canal St. 504-766-6519 facebook.com/GitaPitaCanal

Lebanon’s Café’s reputation for being one of the top Middle Eastern restaurants in the entire city continues to be confirmed by diners who enjoy traditional Lebanese classics such as tabbouleh salad and the kibby meat pies. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 504-862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

Shaya is a James Beard Award-winning restaurant. Make sure to sip on some of their craft cocktails or quality wines paired with amazing hummus topped with cauliflower, octopus, lamb ragú, tahini, or fried tomato. 4213 Magazine St., 504-891-4213, shayarestaurant.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE

Annunciation’s modern Creole and Southern dishes pair perfectly with their extensive wine selection. Try upscale entrees such as filet mignon or roasted duck, and hand-crafted cocktails with appetizers like fried green tomatoes or pommes frites. 1016 Annunciation St., 504-568-0245, annunciationrestaurant.com

Apolline is a cozy-chic dining spot with delicious dishes ranging from roasted Gulf fish couvillion and seared diver scallops to panéed veal medallions. The candlelit ambiance creates a warm environment where you can enjoy their expertly curated wines. 4729 Magazine St., 504-894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com

Café Normandie is inside the Higgins Hotel, the official hotel of the National WWII Museum. Sip on locally-roasted coffee surrounded by vintage war memorabilia and elegant chandeliers. Don’t miss dishes including eggs benedict and the signature flatbreads. 1000 Magazine St., 504-528-1941, higginshotelnola.com

Commons Club New Orleans, nestled within the Virgin Hotel, offers elevated dining options. Try their mouth-watering Wagyu smash burger and weekend brunch from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere with delicious food. 550 Baronne St., virginhotels.com

Crescent City Brewhouse offers craft beers in the French Quarter. Try a flight of pilsner, wheat beer, Red Stallion, and Black Forest brews, and savor Louisiana raw oysters. Enjoy live jazz every weekend. 527 Decatur St.,504-522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Evangeline is a top restaurant in the French Quarter, serving authentic Louisiana cuisine including gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffee. Brunch features unique dishes such as fried alligator and waffles, crawfish and grits, and crab cake benedict. 329 Decatur St., 504-373-4852, evangelineneworleans.com

House of Blues New Orleans offers drinks, live entertainment, and Southern-inspired food. Try the shrimp and grits, amazing burgers, and don't miss the bread pudding. A fun night out, guaranteed. 225 Decatur St., 504-310-4999, houseofblues.com/neworleans

Kingfish adds a new-school twist to traditional New Orleans cuisine. Try knockout entrées including seafood au gratin or red beans and rice with fried chicken. Save room for bourbon pecan pie, big brulée cheesecake, or café au lait mousse cake. 337 Chartres St., 504-5985005, kingfishneworleans.com

Lakeview Harbor has been satisfying customers for over 30 years with its delicious and juicy burgers. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and a wide selection of beer, as well as their famous Typhoon cocktails. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., 504-486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us

Li'l Dizzy’s Cafe serves up classic Creole soul food for lunch. Founded by Wayne Baquet Sr., it's a family-owned spot with a must-try signature gumbo. Group reservations are available. 1500 Esplanade Ave., 504-766-8687, lildizzyscafe.net

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines has been bringing delicious sweet and savory pralines to New Orleans for over 35 years. Make sure to try their delicious crab meat beignet—this tasty treat is sure to satisfy your appetite, guaranteed. Multiple Locations, lorettaspralines.com

Mandina’s Restaurant is a NOLA favorite for Italian classics and sumptuous seafood. Try the filet mignon or ribeye with fries and string beans, along with fried seafood and Gulf fish amandine. 3800 Canal St., 504-482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

Meril, Chef Emeril's restaurant in the Warehouse district, offers a casual and cool vibe for craft cocktails and Lagasse's favorite dishes including fettuccine nero and wood-fired flatbreads. Great for dates or out-of-town visitors. 424 Girod St., 504-526-3745, emerilsrestaurants.com

Mother’s Restaurant is famous for its baked ham and delicious red beans and rice. Don't miss out on their file gumbo and all-day breakfast options, including the crawfish etouffee omelet and the shrimp creole omelet with grits and debris. 401 Poydras St., 504-523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net

New Orleans Creole Cookery has a beautiful indoor and outdoor space in the French Quarter. Don't miss the massive seafood tower with crab maison, shrimp cocktail, shrimp remoulade, oysters, clams, and mussels—a unique dish you won't find elsewhere. 510 Toulouse St., 504524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Neyow’s Creole Café serves up casual Creole and Southern cuisine favorites such as char-grilled oysters, hot sausage po-boys, and BBQ shrimp. Don't miss their weekly specials or Sunday brunch's Creole Omelet with grits. 3332 Bienville St., 504-8275474, neyows.com

Neyow’s XL offers fine dining with authentic Creole flavors. Enjoy dishes such as corn and crab bisque, jumbo crab cakes, and whole red snapper. Don't miss the XL Hurricane, made with seven shots of Captain Morgan and fruit juice. 3336 Bienville St., 504827-5474, xl.neyows.com

Nice Guys Bar & Grill gives creative twists on classic cuisine, including popular choices such as drunken wings coated with alcoholinfused sauces and candy-coated praline wings. Quality food that you can taste. 7910 Earhart Blvd., 504-302-2404, niceguysbarandgrillnola.com

Nonno’s whips up authentic New Orleans cuisine and homemade pastries all day. Their menu has a bit of everything, from burritos to sandwiches, and is delicious. Try the vegan cauliflower po-boy and the Southern shrimp and grits. 1940 Dauphine St., 504-354-1364, nonnoscajuncuisineandpastries.com

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro is perfect for date night with its intimate atmosphere and casual fine dining. Enjoy double cut pork chop or black angus house filet with one of the largest bottled wine selections in the Quarter. 720 Orleans Ave., 504-523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com

Parkway Bakery & Tavern, established in 1911, serves a range of delicious po-boys, including shrimp and roast beef. Catch the Saints game on their large patio with two 65-inch TVs and enjoy an ice-cold beer from their extensive selection. 538 Hagan Ave., 504-482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com

Please U Restaurant will surely leave you pleased. The restaurant’s po-boy selection is absolutely massive with choices such as veal parmigiana, French fries and gravy, chicken

fried steak, and more. They also offer all day breakfast. 1751 St. Charles Ave., 504-5259131, pleaseunola.com

Short Stop Poboys, in Metairie since 1966, offers over 30 delicious po-boys such as roast beef, hot sausage links, and catfish. These are some of the best po-boys around. Get yours with a side of chips or gumbo. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, 504-8854572, shortstoppoboysno.com

Trenasse, in the Intercontinental Hotel, celebrates Louisiana fishers and hunters. Try the smoky braised short ribs, oysters, and oyster po-boy. Don't miss the beignets or the Out of the Blue martini. 444 St. Charles Ave., 504-6807000, trenasse.com

SEAFOOD

Bon Temps Boulet Seafood offers delicious boiled seafood and mouth watering BBQ. Try their plentiful boiled crawfish or the 16-hour Wagyu brisket po-boy with caviar ranch or horseradish sauce. 4701 Airline Dr., Metairie, 504-885-5003, bontempsboulets.com

Briquette serves contemporary coastal cuisine in the French Quarter, with seafood from the Gulf Coast and around the world. Try dishes like the Roast Duckling Girod, cooked to perfection on the grill or pan. 701 S. Peters St., 504-3027496, briquette-nola.com

Felix’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a true French Quarter staple featuring oysters prepared in a multitude of different ways. Don’t miss their delicious turtle soup, crawfish etouffee, and live music. Multiple Locations, felixs.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox offers Southern comfort food and a great oyster bar. Try the

NOLA Classic Trio with gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. Enjoy brunch with Crawfish + Egg Beignets and Bananas Foster Waffle. 817 Common St., 504-827-1651, legacykitchen.com

Middendorf’s Restaurant, with two locations, is totally worth the scenic drive out. Folks flock to the restaurant for their famous thin-fried catfish, turtle soup, and crispy fried onion rings. Multiple Locations, middendorfsrestaurant.com

Seaworthy is the ideal spot for fresh oysters and handcrafted cocktails. Enjoy Americancaught seafood, including mussels and Gulf shrimp, and top it off with the delicious banana bread pudding for dessert. 630 Carondelet St., 504-930-3071, seaworthynola.com

Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco will make you feel like you’ve been transported to the beautiful cities in Peru. Their tuna, shrimp, and octopus ceviches keep patrons coming back for more. Multiple Locations, titoscevichepisco.com

FILM REVIEWS

AirWhen people first hear that a movie was being made centering on the origin story of Nike’s Air Jordan shoe line, their reaction was probably, “Uh-huh. Okay.” The prospect of watching people negotiate the terms of a shoe deal did not exactly sound like riveting cinema; however, director Ben Affleck and screenwriter Alex Convery remind viewers that a satisfying theatrical experience is all about the execution, and they deliver in Air

By David Vicari & Fritz Esker

Vaccaro wants to gamble the department’s entire yearly budget on luring Michael Jordan, the 3rd overall pick of the NBA draft, to Nike. The pitch involves designing an entire shoe around Jordan. To win Jordan over, Vaccaro must sell his vision to Jordan’s mother, Deloris (Viola Davis)

The behind-the-scenes stuff about how Vaccaro and his Nike associates make their plan come to fruition actually is interesting and the dialogue is snappy and funny. While the story may seem low-stakes, the film effectively reminds viewers that the jobs of many people depend on the success of Vaccaro’s gamble.

The cast also plays an important role in the film’s success. Damon, Davis, and Affleck all turn in excellent work, and they’re ably supported by Jason Bateman and Chris Tucker. Another standout is Chris Messina as the temperamental sports agent David Falk.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

The target audience for The Super Mario Bros. Movie is kids, but it is also for people who grew up playing the Nintendo video game on which the film is based. Not everyone had a Nintendo, though. Some had an Atari 2600. Not everyone was good at video games, either. Add in the 1993 live-action movie, Super Mario Bros., which is terrible turd of a movie, but the behind-the-scenes stories of that disaster are far more entertaining than the film itself.

Set in 1984, the plot follows Nike marketing executive Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon). The basketball division at Nike is struggling badly and CEO Phil Knight (Ben Affleck) is considering shutting it down.

Affleck’s last directorial effort, Live By Night, was a bit of a disappointment, but Affleck has proven himself a reliable director of original, adult-oriented films (Gone Baby Gone, The Town, and Argo are all worth seeing if you haven’t). Air is a good bet for grown-ups looking for a change of pace from the avalanche of sequels and superhero movies. —Fritz

Esker

The Super Mario Bros. Movie has a fairly simple plot. Italian-American brothers from Brooklyn, Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt) and Luigi (Charlie Day), have started their own plumbing business, and while attempting to fix an underground leak, they are separately sucked into a Warp Pipe. Mario lands in the Mushroom Kingdom, while Luigi ends up in the ominous Dark Lands. With the help of Princess Peach (Anya Taylor-Joy), Mario must travel to the Dark Lands to rescue his brother from the nasty fire-breathing Bowser (Jack Black), King of the Koopas.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is very

vanilla. Despite an earcleansing music score by Brian Tyler and good animation by Illumination (Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets), this movie is average and lacks surprises or energy. And why, why, why does the movie have to include the ubiquitous song “Holding Out for a Hero” during an action montage? The song was produced in 1984 for the Footloose soundtrack and has been overused in movies and television shows ever since. In the recently released Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, elements from the board game are integrated into the plot in mostly sly ways. Here, in Super Mario, placing set-pieces of the video game into the plot comes off as forced and clumsy. The movie also lacks a good sense of humor. Most of the jokes that are here come off as lame. The voice cast seems willing. It doesn't sound like anyone is just phoning it in, so give them some clever and funny lines to say.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie does have colorful images and it moves along at a quick pace, so small fry should enjoy it. If you are an adult looking for a nostalgia fix, have at it, but most would probably prefer to sit back and watch Tron —David Vicari

DON’T MISS THE JAZZ FEST WEEKEND II/ MOTHER’S DAY ISSUE*

*FEATURES A 25% INCREASED DISTRIBUTION!

DEADLINE: APR 19 | STREET DATE: APR 30

TALES FROM THE QUARTER

By Debbie Lindsey

The Magic of Jazz Fest

This year will be my 34th Jazz Fest. Even during the height of the Covid Cootie Monster, when festivals were canceled, I celebrated Jazz Fest thanks to WWOZ’s “Festing-in-Place.” I blasted OZ’s broadcast of archived Jazz Festival performances from my porch and greeted folks with, “Happy Jazz Fest.”

While I credit our fabulous radio station with its colossal contribution to virtual festing, it couldn’t have occurred without our city’s attitude of “nothing’s gonna stop us now.” Festers are a rare breed of music loyalists and are keepers of the funk.

Every year on opening day as I approach the Savage Street entry gates of Jazz Fest, I hold my breath with a slight but serious concern that maybe the unique vibe of Jazz Fest will have faded—that time has diluted the magic. I fear that the new and younger audiences will sanitize the funk and remove the trust I have known for all these years—trust that I can leave my purse on my seat and dash to the restroom between sets or not emanate the friendliness and joyfulness that this fest is known for. Then, something happens, an act of courtesy or kindness, an expression of pure enthusiasm—I release my breath and inhale the enchantment of “Day One” at Jazz Fest.

Actually, a month prior to opening day, I like to stroll down Savage or Mystery Street and watch scaffolding and aluminum framing work begin for the various tents. I have been known to succumb to tears and goose bumps, kinda like a small town kid watching in awe as the circus arrives and pitches its tents. I guess you could say that everything about Jazz Fest appeals to me. I even get a kick out of buying my tickets; however, the online purchase lacks the friendliness of going to the box office and receiving that envelope. Back in my old days of procuring tickets, there was a ritual to it.

When I first moved here and for several years thereafter, I would score my tickets from “the ticket guy.” Yes—score— like I was buying a bag of weed, but this was totally legit. This guy came into town every Jazz Fest season, buy advance “early bird” specially priced tickets, and sell them for a miniscule profit—win-win for everyone. He sported a beard, long hair, tie-dyed t-shirt, and was as aromatic as a 4-day long Woodstocker. He added an edge to ticket buying and was an absolute sweetheart. When he stopped showing up every April at my favorite coffee shop, La Marquise, I was forced to join the outdoor wait-in-line brigade at the Municipal Auditorium in the Tremé.

This ritual soon became part of my Jazz Fest experience. The lines were long and you best void your bladder before. But the socializing that took place in that line was worth every minute. I met folks from all over the world who were in town for this festival and got to know many a local. Friendships were made. Before long, your turn at the window came up and the party was over—until you saw them all again at the Fair Grounds.

There are lines and then there are lines. For me any queue involving Jazz Fest is a Second Line. Any other line might as well be a visit to the DMV. The best is that first day of Jazz Fest when the row forms down Fortin Street, awaiting the Fair Grounds Sauvage Street gates to open.

Everyone is giddy with anticipation. You meet folks, strike up conversations, hug your neighbors, locals, and old Jazz Fest friends. Jazz Fest kindles friendships among fellow festers. My first friendship formed over music was with Curtis. Year after year we would find each other in the WWOZ/Zatarains’ Jazz Tent. At one point, we exchanged numbers and addresses and stayed in touch outside of festing season. Writing this reminds me I have drifted and need to call him and his wife.

Then there was Cathy. We struck up a friendship immediately. And every year, we continued sitting in the same row in the same chairs. She was my Jazz Fest “wife.” Festival friendships can easily form based on where you once randomly sat. Then one year, I had a bad feeling (no reply to my emails). I went to the regular spot where she and her friends always held court—no Cathy. Then her best friend showed up and looked at me with tears. Cathy had passed.

Jazz Fest is made up of so much more than world class music—it showcases our city’s wealth of talent. Additionally, it’s comprised of our unique cuisine, our heritage, crafts, books, photography exhibits. There are chefs offering food demonstrations, interviews, and more music than you can possibly attend. You can sit, as I do, in my beloved Jazz Tent or dance in the sunshine. You can go full gospel or shimmy to the blues. And heck, there are even air conditioned restrooms. Portalets aren’t for me; however, there is something to be said for squatting over that funky toilet and having the surround-sound of live music— like that year when encapsulated within one of those fiberglass water-closets and Tony Bennent was crooning love songs—just for me, I was certain.

Just the mere anticipation of Jazz Fest has lifted my spirits with reminders of what I love about living here.

PO-BOY VIEWS

By Phil LaMancusa

Tail Lights or Car Tales

“And if you give me weed, whites, and wine and show me a sign, I’ll be willin’ to be movin’.”

The Duchess is a ’97 Lincoln Towncar with 300,000 miles on her. The motor is a mean mutha-fawya monster, heard before seen, and should another of those punk, chump, flat-assed, cheap paper-mâché and styrofoam runabouts cut me off again, I’m sure she’ll wanna eat it for lunch. She’s just that kinda car.

Growing up (yep, another growing up story), I knew older guys that talked about the Tin Lizzie (Model T). You know, the one that Henry designed the assembly line to manufacture one per household of? I’ve seen ‘em, and I was impressed. They sold for $260.00—equal to 18 months salary one hundred years ago. You could have it in any color you wanted as long as you wanted black. Times have changed.

America went car crazy. The Lizzie had four cylinders, and, by 1930, Cadillac was making a 16 cylinder V engine (how many cylinders does your car have? You don’t know do you?). Packard, Studebaker, Duisenberg, Tucker, Kaiser, Hudson, Nash, Checker, Mercury, and a dozen other land yacht companies vied for consumer attention in the 30s, 40s, and 50s. I had a 1957 Ford Fairlane whose speedometer went up to 130 mph, and, believe me, it did go that fast.

We were incensed with speed, power, and style, even into the early 70s. We had cars with fins and chrome and color— names like Thunderbird, Continental, Cougar, Skylark, Malibu, Bel-Air, Ranchero, Continental, Road Master, Impala, Mustang (the older one, not that newer shadow of its former Mustang), Camaro, El Camino, and Corvette. We had a European invasion with the Volkswagen, Jaguar, Porsche, Alfa Romero, Ferrari, and Volvo hitting the streets with a veritable parade of identity and elan. We could tell by front ends and tail lights, the years and models. We car spotted Aston Martins, Rolls Royce, Fiat Spiders, Mercedes, and BMWs. We had songs about them, and we even drag raced with Maybelline and Nadine on Dead Man’s Curve. I once knew a woman with a figure like a Karmann Ghia, and then, and then it all went to shite.

We were still pretty cool rounding the corner and going in to the early eighties with a few Hondas, Toyotas, and Mazda slipping into our main streams. Then the floodgates opened and cost effectively made and sold, mass-produced, fuel-efficient, easier to park, hatched backed, and certainly less distinctive buckets were everywhere.

In 2009, the government instituted the Cash For Clunkers campaign, and everyone greedily sent their older, able to be easily repaired, been in the family boaters to the wrecking yard and bought the imports that grandpa would have thrown rocks at. Now, when I go down the road, I’m noticed because The Duchess is so much

bigger, louder, and harkens back to a time of American individuality. Where were you twenty-six years ago?

The cheaper cars like the Cilantro and others (with fiberglass and styrofoam bumpers) that sell for dirt and are made overseas with souped up differentials that make them feel like race cars, and yahoos who can’t drive on a good day are racing these death traps like they’re Mario Fricken’ Andretti. No turn signals, running yellows and red lights. I don’t know whether they’re morons or car thieves the way they drive. And thus, the proliferation of car wreck lawyers who will get you hundreds of thousands when, not if, you get injured in what used to be called a fender bender and is now a “call Morris and then get me an ambulance” situation.

And what’s with the post sixty year-old male midlife crisis giant pick-up trucks with trailer hitches that never are seen towing anything—with a metal tool box in the bed? You know that toolbox is probably empty. Who do they think they’re kidding? Geezer Macho is so, so sad.

Now has come the electric and hybrid movement, which may get off the ground in another forty years, if we’re lucky. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that it’s more than a good idea and about time as well; however, those little sweethearts sell for more than twice the price of an Altima and what’s a poor schmuck to do to get one—sell the farm (the wife and the dog)? I wouldn’t mind if the new electric alternative cars were built to last 20 or 30 years, but they’re not. Replacing a battery can set you back 15 large, charging that battery costs money, and if you lose your charge, the car stops and can only be pushed if it has a neutral gear (or gets towed to a charging station). These are all things that will be corrected possibly in your lifetime.

Face it, the petro-chemical fat cats are not going to let fossil fuels go the way of the fossils that created them. It’s right and noble to cut down on your carbon footprint, but be aware that if gas is the monkey on our back, the gorilla in the room is plastic. It takes one gallon of gasoline to make 2 ½ pounds of plastic, not counting the resources it takes to move that plastic from point of origin to point of use (livescience.com) and since it is cheaper to make plastic than to recycle it (Mass Institute of Tech.)

An estimated 9 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year (maritimeaquarium.org). How much do we collectively use, waste and throw away? The electric car is made from plastic, your recycle bin, toothbrush, this computer, and we even use gasoline to send plastic waste to the landfill.

The Duchess is made of steel. We try to limit our carbon imprint, but we’re confronted by the gorilla everywhere we look. We’re sad. We don’t like the way that times have changed.

BROOKE LAIZER SEFENECH HENOK TAMICA LEE

WHERE Y'BEEN

FRENCH QUARTER EASTER PARADE