Spring Festivals Guide 2016 by Where Y'at Magazine

April 2016

WhereYat.com

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Cowboy Mouth On A Roll SpringFestivals

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Papa’s 8oz Steak Po’boy.......9.75 Steak, Grilled Onions, Tomatoes, Special Sauce Sausage Po’boy.....................6.75 Smoked Sausage Link or Hot Sausage Patti Breakfast Po’boy...................7.50 Fried Eggs, Hot Sausage Pattis, Bacon, Cheese Jimbo’s Combo Po’boy............8.50 Roast Beef, Ham, Swiss Cheese, Dressed, Special Sauce

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8 oz served on Bun, French Bread or Texas Toast Burger...................................6.75 Cheese Burger.......................7.50 Nacho Burger........................8.75 Nacho Cheese, Jalepenos, Tomatoes, Crumbled Tortillas, side of sour cream Peanut Butter Bacon Burger....8.00 Reese’s Peanut Butter, Bacon, Pepper Jack

Pizza

10”........................................6.75 16”......................................12.75 Sausage, Pepperoni, Ham, Bacon, Tomatoes, Onions, Pepperoncini, Black Olives, Green Olives, Mushrooms, Jalapenos, Bell Peppers, Pineapple & Extra Cheese

Salad Small House.......3.00 Large House......4.75

Roast Beef Po’boy....................7.50 Hot or Cold

Teriyaki Burger.....................7.50 Teriyaki Glaze, Grilled Pineapple Slice, Cheese

Meatball Po’boy........................7.50 Marinara, Parmesean, Provolone Cheese

Chicago Style Dogs

French Fry Po’boy....................6.00 Served on French with Brown Gravy & Special Sauce

Dogs......................................3.50

Spicy Crab Po’boy....................9.75 Crab Stuffed Jalapenos, Diced Onions, Tomatoes, Special Sauce

Schwegmann’s Dog..............4.50 Chili, Cheese, Chopped Onion, Mustard on French Bread

Chili or Cheese Dog.............4.00

Add Chicken.....4.00 Add Tuna.....6.00 Add Steak.....6.00

Service Industry (All Day Happy Hour)

Wines....................................3.00 Well.......................................2.75 Domestic Beer.......................2.25 Jagermeister..........................3.00 Goldschlager.........................3.00 Rumple Minze......................3.00

141 Chartres on the Corner of Iberville

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CONTENTS Features 6 Cowboy Mouth 8 Spring Festival Guide 11 French Quarter Fest 14 NOLA Festival Secrets 16 Simon's Signs 19 Eyes are Window to Soul 22 Why Vinyl? 40 Going the Distance

Events & Nightlife 24 Lakeside 2 Riverside 36 Music Calendar 43 Bar Guide

Dining 30 Probably Baking 32 $20 and Under 34 Food News 36 Restaurant Guide

Extras 43 Film Reviews

April 2016 Vol. 19 No. 9 Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Directors: Greg Roques/ Michael Fulkerson Assistant Editor: Kathy Bradshaw Movie Editor: David Vicari Copy Editor: Burke Bischoff Contributing Writers: Kathy Bradshaw, Beau Ciolino, Cassandra Damascus, Fritz Esker, Emily Hingle, Telle Ink, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Chris Romaguera, Greg Roques, Celeste Turner, David Vicari, Leigh Wright Director of Sales: Stephen Romero Cowboy Mouth Cover Photo by Romney at Harrah's Casino Photographers: Kathy Bradshaw, Scott Chernis, Gus Escanelle, Jason Hall, Steve Hatley, Gary LoVerde, Romney, Greg Roques Interns: Paul Bentley, Andrew Callaghan, Loren Cecil, Julia Engel, Tyniski Evans, Anna Currey, Ashlee Hill, Bess Turner, Asdrubal Quintero Subscribe: Receive 1 year (14 issues) for $30 and get a FREE Where Y’at CD. Subscribe today at WhereYat.com. Logo © 2016 All rights reserved Bruce Betzer, Legal Counsel: (504) 304-9952 Where Y’at Magazine 5500 Prytania St., #133 New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 891-0144 info@whereyat.com | WhereYat.com

44 Columns 46 Around the Web 48 Where Ya' Been? 50 Where Y'at Chat As Where Y’at’s Creative Director, I am tasked with assembling the magazine you hold in front of you every month. However, it is on a rare occasion that I address our readers’ directly in the “Letter From the Editor,” and whenever I am given the opportunity, it is always a privilege. I write this month’s column with conflicting emotions, though, as this issue is my last serving in this role. On the one hand, I have been honored to work with an unimaginably talented staff the past six years, many of whom I have had the good fortune to become friends with outside of the oﬃce as well. On the other, I am excited to begin a new chapter in my career and for all of the opportunities it holds in store. I would also like to welcome our new Creative Director, Michael Fulkerson. Michael brings a wealth of expertise to the Where Y’at family, and I am personally excited to see what new ideas he brings to grow the publication. Finally, I would like to thank Josh, our staff and everyone who reads and enjoys Where Y'at Magazine for this amazing experience. I hope you enjoy our Spring Festivals/French Quarter Fest issue; be on the lookout for the first of two Jazz Fest issues out later this month. – Greg Roques

4 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 5

Are You With Me? An Interview with Fred LeBlanc from Cowboy Mouth

By Emily Hingle | Photo by Jason Hall

he name of the band is Cowboy Mouth, which is the enthusiastic chant you will hear as Cowboy Mouth’s animated drummer and frontman, Fred Leblanc, leads his exuberant crowd into a frenzied joy. Leblanc has been described as not just a lively performer, but also a bit of a mad man, completely letting go of his faculties on stage and making his shows about as much of a stage performance as a concert. Their popularity can be measured by the 30 years they have been playing it up to audiences, who just love watching to see what happens next. The band’s fan-base remains avid in New Orleans, where the band will be performing this year during both French Quarter Fest and Jazz Fest. Leblanc has a lot to say about his entertaining performances and just why it’s so important to him. Where Y'at: Tell me about how Cowboy Mouth began? Fred Leblanc: I was playing in a band called Dash Rip Rock in the late 80s. I just got tired of looking at guitar players’ rear ends. I wanted to be up front where the action is and decided to start my own band. I found some people who were willing to go along with it. It took a few months to really get going because it just wasn’t working out. Then, I had the idea to get John Griﬃth in and everything just clicked. It went from being really lousy to being really special within the space of fi ve seconds. That was 25 years ago.

emotional level, on a passionate, personal level. That’s what a Cowboy Mouth show has always been about. A Cowboy Mouth show is not about the four people on stage; it’s about everyone there having the time of their lives. That’s what I always wanted to do: create a swarming mass of insane, pulsating, passionate joy that I always found in rock and roll shows. I call Cowboy Mouth a rock and roll safe place because no one is going to look any dumber than I do, so why not just let yourself go and have the time of your life? WYAT: Your performing style has been described as being pretty wild; you even climbed scaﬀ olding at a festival. Leblanc: I used to do stuff like that a lot. I still do when I feel like it. My goal as a performer is to pull people out of themselves in order to get the best out of them, so I can be somewhat rambunctious on stage. But it’s all in effort to get people to forget their problems. If an audience is watching us, they’ll let themselves go if they see me let myself go. It’s not quite as conscious or cerebral as that, but if you have people going, “Nothing I can do can be as crazy as this lunatic, so let me just have the time of my life.” That’s always been my thought process and it works.

My goal as a performer is to pull people out of themselves in order to get the best out of them.

WYAT: How has the business of music changed in that time? Leblanc: Every single facet of the music business has changed: the business model, the touring model, the recording model. I always looked at recorded music as the way to sell the live show, but getting the music to permeate is a lot harder. I enjoy being a live performer; I enjoy recording music, making music and writing music, but for me, the immediate impact of a live performance is what it’s all about because it’s a genuine interaction between you and the audience on a musical level, on an

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WYAT: How has performing in this band impacted your life? Leblanc: The thing about a Cowboy Mouth show and our songs is that it speaks about joy and celebration and celebrating the moment. I’m having a lot more raw joy playing in the band than I’ve ever had. There’s not as much pressure. Over the years, I’ve learned how to take the pressure

out of it and focus on having a great time and being appreciative of how successfully we’ve been able to do it. The band has become a huge lifeline for me over the course of the past few years as I was going through a divorce and things like that. In those moments that I thought, “What do I do?” I asked a lot of friends and they all said the same thing: listen to Cowboy Mouth. I gave it a shot and listened to some of my stuff and said, “These guys may be on to something.” It’s been a huge eye opener on a number of levels for me, not just as a performer and a songwriter, but as a fan of the band. As a musician, you hope that what you do has some sort of a positive effect on your little corner of the world. The fans seem to take what we do as a

catalyst for something positive in their own lives. And that’s exactly what I hope to do with this band: use it as a force for something positive in the world. It’s very easy to be negative and appeal musically and emotionally to the lowest common denominator as a performer, and be quite successful at it. I’m not trying to judge those who do that, I just chose a different path. The band has always been able to pull that off, even more so in the last few years. We’ve had very tangible results from that and that’s a great thing to be a part of. Cowboy Mouth performs at French Quarter Fest on Thursday, April 7 at 5:15 p.m. on the Abita Beer Stage; catch them at Jazz Fest on Friday, April 22, stage and time TBA.

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SpringFestivalGuide March Lao New Year Celebration, March 24-27, Lanexang Village, 7913 Champa Ave, Broussard This three-day festival celebrating the New Year includes live music, a beauty pageant, parades, sand castle building, kids activities, and several vendors selling clothes, jewelry, music and food from Southeast Asia. Hammond Blues & BBQ, March 25-26, Downtown Hammond, www. hammondbbq.com The Smokin’ Hammond BBQ Challenge is a free festival featuring the KCBS Cook Off, several regional bands and 60+ local teams competing in the Backyard Boogie and the Lamar Outdoor Advertising Chicken Little Contest, making it the largest BBQ event in the State of Louisiana.

The most illustrious and freshest names in the literary, theatrical, and cultural spheres descend on the French Quarter for fi ve days of festivities including speakers and writing contests. Kite Fest Louisiane, April 1, WBR Soccer Complex, Port Allen This one-of-a-kind festival fi lls the sky with kites of all shapes and sizes, from demonstrations by professional kite fl yers to family-friendly events like kite making, kite design and candy showers. Crawfi sh Boil on The Lake, April 1, April 15, Treasure Chest Casino, Kenner Enjoy crawfi sh and free live entertainment on the casino lawn during these festive events. Hogs for the Cause, April 1-2, City Park Fairgrounds, www.hogsforthecause.org This annual non-profi t fundraising barbecue competition and music festival raises money for families with children fi ghting pediatric brain cancer, so stop by to listen to local music and eat some delicious food for a good cause. Parks Cracklin’ Cook-Off, April 1-2, Cecile Rousseau Poche Memorial Park, www. parkscracklincookoff.com This cook-off competition also features live music, a family fun food raffl e, arts and crafts booths, and a Kajun Iron Horse Poker Run for a weekend of nonstop fun.

^^Crescent City Classic, March 26, Poydras St. at Loyola Ave, www.ccc10k. com/crescent-city-classic-10k This 10k road race held each year on the Saturday before Easter by the Crescent City Fitness Foundation is followed by an exciting post-race party complete with live music and local Creole cuisine. Even non-runners can attend the free two-day Health & Fitness Expo which takes place before the race. French Quarter Easter Parade and Brunch, March 27, French Quarter, www. frenchquartereasterparade.com This Easter celebration starts with a Continental breakfast at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel ballroom and includes a hat contest, silent auction, and entertainment and concludes with a champagne brunch and dancing following the parade.

April NOLA Pyrate Week, March 25-April 3, French Quarter, nolapyrateweek.com The Pyrates of Louisiana and their friends from around the world gather each year for 10 days of swashbuckling, art, music, food, events and volunteering to give back to the city. Louisiana Crawﬁ sh Festival, March 31-April 3, St. Bernard Government Complex, 8200 West Judge Perez Dr, Chalmette, louisianacrawﬁ shfestival.comThis festival off ers Cajun entertainment and current hit parade bands, hundreds of handcrafted products for sale, carnival games, toys and food for a full weekend of family fun. Paddle Bayou Lafourche, March 31-April 3, Donaldsonville to Lockport, www. btnep.org/subsites/paddle/paddlehomeExperience the natural elegance of Bayou Lafourche and join the Barataria-Terrebone National Estuary Program for a weekend paddling trip full of scenic natural vistas. Tennessee Williams New Orleans Literary Festival, March 30-April 3, French Quarter, http://www.tennesseewilliams.net -

8 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Festa Italiana, April 1-3, Rivertown, Kenner, www.italianheritagefestival.com The 16th Annual Kenner Italian Heritage Festival will feature a display of historical memorabilia and photographs from Kenner’s Italian families, Italian and local music, children’s activities, genealogical research tutoring, crafts and delicious Italian food from local vendors. Jackson Assembly Antiques and Art Show, April 1-3, 1740 Charter Street, Downtown Jackson, LA, jacksonassemblyantiquesshow.com This three-day show includes elegant antiques and collectibles, tours of historic sites, native plants and herbs, fi ne jewelry and crafts from local artists and daily homecooked lunch with delicious desserts. Big Bass Fishing Rodeo and Fishtival, April 2, City Park, New Orleans City Park hosts the oldest freshwater rodeo in the country, packed with fi shing competitions, exhibitors, vendors, raﬄ es, fi shing tackle for sale and more. Freret Street Festival, April 2, Freret St. between Napolean and Valmont, www. freretstreetfestival.com As a kick-off to the festival season, this event includes 150 local vendors showcasing arts, crafts, and wearables, an animal adoption, live music on three stages and festival food courts featuring New Orleans fi nest chefs with picnic seating.

Spring Garden Show, April 2-3, New Orleans Botanical Garden City Park The annual Spring Garden Show invites visitors to explore the beautiful Botanical Garden, more than 50 horticultural exhibits, family-friendly activities and educational ‘Walk and Talk’ lectures. Brunch Fest, April 3, New Orleans City Park, www.la-spca.org/brunchfest Dress in your most festive brunch attire or costume to enjoy a day full of brunchinspired restaurants, breakfast style cocktails, unique vendors, live music and an animal adoption all supporting the Lousiana SPCA. Cajun Classique, April 4-10, Bayou Teche, www.cajunclassique.com The 3rd annual Cajun Classique is a week long wooden boat cruise down Bayou Teche including a crawfi sh boil, zydeco breakfast, crawfi sh etouff ee cooking demo, swamp tour and many more activities. Jammin’ on Julia, April 5, Julia St and Camp St, www.jamminonjulia.net This event, presented by the New Orleans Arts District Association, includes music, libations, and art in select galleries for art lovers and collectors to kick off the spring festival season. A Taste of Covington, April 6-10, Acquistapace’s Covington Supermarket, www.atasteofcovington.com This Covington Business Association event off ers fi ve days of fi ne food, wine, music and art from local vendors.

Baton Rouge Blues Festival, April 9-10, Downtown Baton Rouge, www. batonrougebluesfestival.org/home/ This two-day music festival off ers an impressive lineup of artists and vendors for all to enjoy. Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival, April 9-10, Melrose Plantation, NatchitochesFine arts and crafts booths occupy the grounds of the historic Melrose Plantation along with food vendors and home tours for a premier annual event. Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week, April 9-14, Vermillionville Living History and Folklife Park, Lafayette Balfa Week incorporates intensive classes on fi ddle, guitar and accordion, participatory teaching sessions on Cajun & Creole vocals, instructor-coached band labs, nightly dances, jam sessions and more for a full schedule of musical learning. Allons Manger Food Festival, April 10, St. Jules Catholic Church, Belle Rose The annual festival celebrates Cajun food with crawfi sh, oysters, turtle, shrimp and fi sh dishes, live entertainment, children’s activities and an auction.

Louisiana Railroad Days, April 7-9, DeQuincy Railroad Museum Park, St. Charles, www.larailroaddaysfestival.comThis free festival involves participation from local businesses, clubs, churches, and schools for food booths, crafts, carnival rides, free entertainment and a parade.

^^French Quarter Festival, April 7-10, French Quarter, fqﬁ .org With 23 stages, this free festival takes over the French Quarter with non-stop live music and delicious local food vendors all weekend long. Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival, April 8-10, Memorial Park, Ponchatoula, www. lastrawberryfestival.com Promising a BERRY good time, this free family-friendly outdoor festival is fi lled with great food, games, entertainment and fun. Cajun Hot Sauce Festival, April 8-10, Acadiana Fairgrounds, New Iberia This spicy festival is jam-packed with live music, talent contests, cook-off s, a hot sauce competition and a pageant to crown the Cajun Hot Sauce Queen.

^^NOLA FoodFest: Street Festival, April 2-3, New Orleans Riverwalk’s Spanish Plaza, www.nolafoodfest.com The plaza will be lined with dozens of America’s best hometown eats, including local favorites and specialties from across the nation, for a taste of the country’s most celebrated dishes all gathered in one place.

demonstrations, boutique shopping and fi ne dining throughout downtown Covington.

Bursting with Speed, April 9, Bucktown Lakefront, Metairie With 5K and half-mile races, this event benefi ting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society gives away $7,350 in prizes to winners in dozens of race categories. Spring for Art, April 9, Downtown Covington The St. Tammany Art Association presents new work by dozens of artists from the Southeast Region, live music at various locations, gallery openings, art

^^Festival of Balloons, April 10, Hilton Riverside, 2 Poydras Street Presented by Pioneer Balloon Company, this festival is an opportunity to view balloon art created during the 2016 World Balloon Convention plus balloon entertainers, interactive demonstrations and people draped in balloon costumes. Chauvin Folk Art Festival, April 12, Chauvin Sculpture Garden, 5337 Bayouside Dr, Montegut This bi-annual festival features 25 demonstrating artists and vendors, live music, face painting, food, drinks and fun for all ages. Great Southern RV Park Spring Festival, April 14-16, Great Southern RV Park, Angie, www. greatsouthernbluegrassevent.com This bluegrass event is one of two hosted at the RV park each year, with music and concessions for three days of family fun. Louisiana International Film Festival, April 14-17, Cinemark Perkins Rowe, Baton Rouge, www.liﬁ lmfest.org This festival aims to provide an interactive forum for fi lmmakers and musicians from around the globe with a special focus on the indigenous fi lmmakers and musicians of Louisiana. Concerts in the Courtyard, April 15, Historic New Orleans Collection, 410 Chartres St, French Quarter Off ering a fun, casual way to kick off the

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weekend, these live outdoor performances showcase Louisiana musicians and include complimentary beverages with ticket purchase. Downtown Lake Charles Crawﬁ sh Festival, April 15-16, Lake Charles Civic Center, downtowncrawfest.com This festival promotes awareness of the crawfi sh season, the history of it, and how the seafood industry has benefi ted Louisiana and has vendors from all over the south. Natchitoches Jazz & R&B Festival, April 15-16, Downtown Natchitoches, www. natchjazzfest.com National, regional, and local artists come together on four stages along the gorgeous downtown Cane River bank for a unique and enjoyable musical destination.

stages, 20,000+ pounds of crawfi sh and dozens of local food and art vendors across two quads. St. Francis Xavier Old Metairie Fest, April 16, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and School, Metairie This year’s theme “Celebrating 90 Years!” promises special fun with food from delicious local vendors, games and activities for all ages and entertainment by Pick 6. Melrose Arts and Crafts Festival, April 16-17, Melrose Plantation, Melrose More than 100 vendors will set up beneath the live oak trees of Melrose to show and sell original art, gourmet foods, jewelry, clothing, plants, toys, pottery and more.

Lockport Food Festival, April 15-17, 710 Church St., Lockport The best in Cajun & Swamp pop music, food, dancing and carnival games. Cajun Festival, April 15-17, Our Lady Roman Catholic Church, Marrero, vol.org/ cajunfest Thousands of visitors head to the Westbank for great music, delicious food and fun to benefi t Visitation of Our Lady Catholic Church. Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration, April 15-17, Grand Isle, grandisle.btnep. org Experience bird-focused activities in one of the best places in the world to see and study birds up close at this essential stop for songbirds during their migrations across the Gulf of Mexico. Great Louisiana Birdfest, April 15-17, Northshore, northlakenature.org/ birdfest/ Northshore Nature Center hosts this annual event that includes birding trips, some southern food and hospitality, and workshops. Le Feu et L’Eau (Fire and Water) Festival, April 15-17, 1510 Bayou Courtableau Hwy, Arnaudville, www.ﬁ reandwaterfestival. org This event showcases a multitude of artists, performers, and cultural workers in a variety of disciplines and genres to celebrate creative talent produced primarily in Acadiana as well as in French culture. New Orleans Poetry Festival, April 15-17, Arts Estuary, Marigny, www.lavenderink. org/poetryfest/ This fi rst annual festival will feature lots of special guests and poets from around the country and the world hosting readings, panels and workshops. Crawﬁ sh Music Festival, April 15-24, Mississippi Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, MS For more than two decades, the Coliseum has hosted this festival to provide quality entertainment and family fun to the Southeast.

10 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Etouﬀ ee Festival, April 22-24, Little Flower School Grounds, Arnaudville Booming with local fl avor and family fun, festivities include carnival rides, awardwinning bands, bingo, vendor booths, an auto show, and of course plenty of etouff ee. The Italian Festival, April 22-24, Tickfaw City Hall, Tickfaw, www. theitalianfestivalorg.com This authentic celebration of Italian culture off ers rides, entertainment, pageants, a parade and a spaghetti cook-off for a weekend of local heritage and fun.

games and live music. Festival in the Park, April 29-May 1, Cassidy Park, Bogalusa With two stages of regional and local music, pageants, children’s games, canoe and pony rides as well as food and arts booths and museums, this festival promises fun for the whole family. Contraband Days: Louisiana Pirate Festival, April 26 - May 8, Lake Charles Civic Center, Lake Charles, www. contrabanddays.com Pirates, music, rides, fi reworks, and fun providing quality family entertainment for residents and visitors of all ages.

2016 Festival de la Prairie, April 22-24, St. John Catholic Church, Prairieville Enjoy a full weekend of activities from rides and bands to a silent auction, fun run and magic show.

^^Angola Prison Rodeo, April 16-17, Angola Prison This special event includes bareback riding, wild horse racing, barrel racing, bull-dogging and more exciting activities. Louisiana Earth Day 2016, April 17, Old State Capitol, Baton Rouge, www. laearthday.org Enjoy a day fi lled with exhibits, hands-on activities for children and adults, great food and music in this celebration of our planet. A Run Through History, April 17, Metairie Cemetery With 1 mile and 5K courses laced through historic Metairie Cemetery, this run/walk off ers famous scenic views and benefi ts Save Our Cemeteries. Pinch A Palooza, April 17, Bucktown, www.pinchapalooza.com Deanie’s Seafood presents free entertainment for all ages, boiled crawfi sh and other famous crawfi sh dishes, and a crawfi sh eating contest for a full day of fun. Festival Internationale de la Louisiane, April 20-24, Downtown Lafayette, festivalinternational.org The community-based, non-profi t arts organization provides this free music and arts event celebrating the French cultural heritage of South Louisiana with exhibits, music and plenty of food.

Spring Antique Street Fair, April 23-24, Old Towne Slidell Antiques, collectables, furniture, jewelry, crystal, food and drink, and live music for a fair of family fun. Zoo-to-do for Kids, April 29, Audubon Zoo Live entertainment, giant infl atables, hand-held animals, arcade games and more are off ered to kids of all ages at this unique family event. Nola Crawfi sh Festival, April 25-27, Nola Brewery and Tap Room, 3001 Tchoupitoulas Street, www. nolacrawfi shfest.com This three-day event in between Jazz Fest weekends off ers more than enough crawfi sh, music and beer to hold you over. Instruments A Comin’ Benefi t, April 25, Tipitina’s, 501 Napoleon Ave Starting with a family-friendly outdoor street party and ending with a rowdy indoor concert, this annual benefi t is all about increasing student participation in music education programs. Hickory Grove Bluegrass Festival, April 28-30, Nugent Farm, Deville This annual bluegrass festival off ers a concession stand and plenty of open space to park your lawn chair and enjoy the music.

Spring Heritage Day, April 22, Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan Students of all ages observe and participate in the self-suﬃ cient lives of the free and enslaved who lived and worked on the plantation in the 18th and 19th centuries, including exhibits and folk life demonstrations. St. Joan of Arc Spring Fair, April 22, St Joan of Arc Church, LaPlace, sjascs.org/ festival This church festival off ers an entertainment tent, bake sale, bingo, food court and raﬄ es for nonstop family fun.

^^Crawfest 2016, April 16, Tulane University, crawfest.tulane.edu Located in the heart of Tulane’s Uptown campus, this annual music, food and arts festival boasts music from bands on two

April 22 - May 1, City Park Fairgrounds, www.nojazzfest.com This two-weekend event is overfl owing with world-famous and local musical artists as well as popular New Orleans food and arts vendors for an unforgettable festival experience.

Music & Market, April 22 - 29, Opelousas Tourist Center, Opelousas, www. cityofopelousas.com/music-marketThis concert series features Louisiana music artists as well as fresh homegrown vegetables and other Louisiana products for purchase direct from local farmers and producers. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival,

^^HardFest: Go Hard Tour, May 2, Champions Square, www.hardfest.comAn outdoor concert in Champions Square featuring Zeds Dead, Big Gigantic and more electronic music to keep you dancing all night. Whitney Zoo-to-Do, May 6, Audubon Zoo Enjoy a night out at the zoo with live musical entertainment, a luxury raﬄ e, silent auction, premium cocktails and food samples from over 70 New Orleans restaurants. Mayfest, May 6-7, Vernon Parish Courthouse, Leesville This annual event in historic downtown Leesville features vendors from all over Louisiana and surrounding states off ering home-made items and food, with live music, demonstrating artists, children’s activities and more. Bayou Cajun Fest, May 6-8, Larose Civic Center, Larose Great live, local music kicks off this festival that will also include a craft market, carnival rides and delicious Cajun foods featuring a fresh caught Louisiana Seafood Boil Off. Breaux Bridge Crawﬁ sh Festival, May 6-8, Parc Hardy, Breaux Bridge, bbcrawfest. com Thousands of hungry people fl ock to Breaux Bridge for this gathering of world-famous Cajun musicians and, of course, crawfi sh. Celebration of Herbs and Gardens, May 7, Marie Street, Sunset This festival off ers everything for the garden enthusiast from plants, herbal products, pottery, and garden art presentations to Master Gardener presentations and food trucks.

^^Big Easy, Big Heart 5K & Fest Experience, April 30, 125 Bourbon St. through French Quarter, www. bigeasybigheart.com This event benefi ts the New Orleans Mission in its fi ght to rescue sexually, physically, and emotionally abused women with a run followed by awards and buses to Jazz Fest.

Louisiana Dragon Boat Races, May 7, Alexandria Museum of Art, Alexandria, themuseum.org/ldbr The Alexandria Museum of Art presents this exciting family event full of food, spirited racing, and fun on and off the water.

May

UNO Crawﬁ sh Mambo, May 7, University of New Orleans, crawﬁ shmambo.com Indulge in all-you-can-eat crawfi sh all day with live music and art vendors.

Thibodaux Volunteer Firemen’s Fair, April 28-May 1, Thibodaux Fairgrounds, Thibodaux This fair includes an auction and two run/ walk events on top of the food, drinks, rides,

Mother’s Day at Audubon Zoo, May 8, Audubon Zoo Moms of all ages get into the zoo for free on Mother’s Day, with craft tents and special treats available to sweeten the day.

A Local's Guide to French Quarter Fest By Emily Hingle | Photos by Zack Smith

he 33rd Annual French Quarter Festival is an all-encompassing celebration of music and food that takes place across the entire lively French Quarter. It has been a favorite fest for the locals, but has been increasingly appealing to tourists who love the local feel of the fest, leading to its increasing size. However spectacular, you should experience this fest like the locals do to get the true New Orleans experience and that means leaving the stages occasionally. You can see a full listing of performances and events at fqfi. org/frenchquarter/fests. 1.

E S T.

Go to Locals’ Lagniappe Day – The festivities, taking place on Thursday, April 7, are geared towards locals. The long-running rock band Cowboy Mouth, playing the fest for the first time, will headline at the Abita Beer Stage. Also, making his premiere here, Sonny Landreth performs at the

Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage. 2.

Get your Morning Drink – To wake you up and begin your buzz, it’s fun to have that bright and early morning cocktail. After getting down to the Quarter by finding a lucky parking spot or using public transportation, mosey into your favorite bar for a relaxing drink with your fellow locals. I recommend Jimani because it’s a 24-hour establishment that caters to service industry folks and locals.

Move to the Mint – When the action begins, take a walk down to the

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historical U.S. Mint at the edge of the Quarter. It’s also quite convenient to get to if you were getting that drink on Frenchmen Street. Not only will there be three full days of music on their stages, but also head inside the Mint to cool off and experience history with the Let Them Talk: Conversations about Louisiana Music series. The interview and performance series explores many facets of the music presented at the festival. These events are also free and open to the public. 4.

12 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Mid-day Meal Time – While fest food is phenomenal, sometimes you just need a relatively quiet place to sit down, cool off and have a sizable meal. I usually have a few small bites around the fest then head to a local eatery for my fulfilling lunch. If you’re with a group, pizza is simple and easy. Try out Mona Lisa’s. Peruse Bourbon Street – I know what you’re thinking: Bourbon is not for locals. But it’s good to traverse this colorful strip once in a while and Bourbon will have more locals on it than usual. Take a leisurely stroll down the street and people watch, take a picture with a street performer (tipping encouraged!), or listen to your favorite cover band. This is also a good time to get a little more of the good stuff in you to prepare for music. River-Viewing – The riverfront area is the most tightly packed of the fest areas. It can be overwhelming at times, so I opt for sitting on the river levee some ways down from the main stage and appreciating the craziness from afar. The views are incomparable and

you’ll have a moment to get your game plan together. 7.

Dance the Day Away – What’s listening to music without busting out some dance moves to it? Luckily for those who aren’t quite as graceful on their feet, you can have some dance lessons. The locals don’t really care how well one dances, just that they are doing it. The NOLA Jitterbugs will be on hand hosting free dance classes in various styles. You can use your new skills to join Dancing at Dusk in the 400 block of Royal Street. The Tomcats are playing the most romantic songs of the mid-century there.

Pirates Alley Juried Art Show – Nestled on one side of the St. Louis Cathedral is an alley where pirates and scallywags would congregate and barter. Now, you can witness the art of over 100 artists while also grabbing a piratical drink at the Pirate’s Alley Bar.

Opera It Is- We are very lucky in this city to have a variety of amazing music to experience and one of those genres of music is opera. There will be operatic performances belted out on Thursday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. at the Pontalba Buildings.

10. Film in the French Quarter – The French Quarter Festival is mostly about music, but film does make an appearance at Le Petit Theatre. Timecode:NOLA will host free screenings of documentaries focused on Louisiana culture during the morning to early afternoon. It’s also another way to beat the heat.

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NOLA Festival Secrets By Emily Hingle | Photos at French Quarter Fest by Zack Smith

uring this fest season, it’s good to know how to navigate these usually sweltering and overwhelming events to have the most amount of fun. Be sure to check the rules and regulations of the festivals you plan on attending so that you know what you can bring in and what will be confiscated at the gate, lest you risk losing it forever or taking the walk of shame back to the car to save it.

14 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Dressing – Check the weather before you leave your spot; you’ll probably need loose-fitting breezy clothes that won’t become uncomfortably sticky when you start pouring sweat. And don’t underestimate the dirt that your clothes can accumulate in these situations. Don’t wear your fanciest clothes, for instance; t-shirts, linen shorts or pants, and nice casual dresses will have a good air-flow. Shoes can be an important feature, especially if you walk around a lot or if it rains. I suggest tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting filthy or wet. Packing – First thing’s first: umbrellas are always good to bring just in case.

In your backpack or large tote, put in your unsealed bottles of water if allowed in, food if allowed in, your usual belongings and especially cash. Fest ATMs can have long lines and hefty fees, so bring some green for the vendors. Bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and everything else to stay shady in the sun. 3.

Parking – This one can be a real stressor. Leaving well before the opening of the festival is the best way to find a free spot, but plan on driving around for a while and walking a way to the gate. Otherwise, be prepared to shell out up to $50 for a spot. If you can take public transportation, a bike, or go

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in for an Uber or taxi, you don’t have to deal with it. And you can pre-game harder. 4.

Going Through Crowds – Please be courteous because the thousands of people all around you don’t have time for your problems. Don’t push and shove thinking you have a right to get through a slow-moving, denselypacked crowd faster than everyone else. Places bottleneck and if you don’t like it, find an alternative route or stay in the less-crowded areas. On the flipside, don’t block pathways. If you want to stop and chat, move it to the side. Staying Hydrated – Nothing can end your day faster than getting too wasted to stand. If you’re going to be imbibing, especially in our heat, you MUST drink just as much water. Just being in the sun sober can cause dehydration quickly and unexpectedly. Everyone must drink water throughout the day and lots of it to avoid fates like heat stroke. Staying Cool - So many items already listed deal with not overheating. Staying shady and covered to avoid sunburn, drinking water to stay hydrated, and not over-drinking will make you last so much longer. If you can find a mister/fan combo machine to spritz yourself, bring it! Some fests offer mister tents and water bottle refill stations. Find them and use them. Be sure your children are also remaining cool; they can wear out quickly. Siestas – If you plan on festing for a few hours, take some rests throughout your day so that you can last longer. You can tire yourself out without even

knowing it. I like going to a quiet, cool bar somewhere in the Quarter at French Quarter Fest between bands. Check out the cultural pavilion or grandstand area at Jazz Fest to remove yourself from the throng. 8.

Eating – Fest food is the best food; there’s such a variety and it all smells great when you get near the vendors. Don’t go with the herd, though, and get in the longest line just because everyone else is; shop around and look at everything available before shelling out. Pick foods that are easy to hold while standing and not messy. Meat pies come in many varieties (even veggie), are filling and won’t get all over you. Bathroom Breaks –We all have to go sometime. Port-o-potties can be rather gruesome, but you’ll have to endure them sometimes. Ladies, I can’t emphasize bringing your own tissue enough because you will need it at some point. Hand sanitizer is also vital. I recommend checking out female sanitary urination devices like the GoGirl or Shewee so that you never have to touch the seat. The grandstand at Jazz Fest offers clean indoor restrooms.

10. Knowing When to Leave – The kids in the crew are cranky, you’re getting into hangover territory, the weather just won’t let up. If you feel that you simply can’t make it another second without snapping at someone or having a mental breakdown, it may be time for you to take a hike for everyone’s sake. This is also why it’s important to take periodic breaks throughout the day.

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WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 15

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Simon's Signs O By Anna Currey

nce you start looking for Simon Hardeveld’s signs, you see them everywhere. On the set of News With a Twist, in Mardi Gras parades, even in New Orleans-style restaurants in Washington D.C. and New York. His style is as immediately recognizable as it is iconic, with bright colors that catch your eye and the stylized designs that capture the spirit of New Orleans. Signs with sayings like “Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?” and “Laissez le bon temps rouler” written in white capital letters cover every surface of Simon’s workshop. He is always painting, he tells me in his distinct French accent he has become known for, and he seems to throw himself into his work with a passion that explains how much the residents of New Orleans love his signs. Trained as a chef in France, Simon never planned on becoming a New Orleans folk artist, but his signs have struck a chord with the city. You can find him any day of the week, except Sunday, in his workshop next to Antiques on Jackson Avenue. He doesn’t bother with computers or email, but you can call or, better yet, stop by to see his work. Where Y’at: So you’ve been working in New Orleans for about 20 years. What was it like when you ﬁrst got started? Simon: When I first come to the United States, I move to Florida. Florida is very different. In Florida, they do not know France. No one knows where my hometown, Cannes, is. They say, “Cannes, Cannes is where?” I never thought I would be making signs. I was a chef in Cannes and I had a restaurant in Florida, and then I

16 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

move to New Orleans. WY: How did you end up transitioning from cooking to creating art? Simon: In the beginning, I just thought that I need to eat. So I tried to find a job here as a chef, but I go to work in an antique shop to repair furniture. Since the antiques were coming from France, they know I can repair the furniture. I found some piece of wood, so at night when I finish work, I was starting to do sign. Onion ring, French fry, hamburger, small sign like this. I brought the signs to kitchen in Metairie, Johnny’s Bar and Grill, and cooked in the kitchen. But they were only drinking. At 9:00 (in the morning), they were coming to drink beer. To show them where was the kitchen, I start to hang small signs like we were doing: hamburger, onion ring, omelets, po-boy. And they were buying the sign and no food! So after two months I told my wife Maria, “OK, no more cooking.” They were buying all the signs. The owner came and asked me to pay the rent and I told him this is the last time I pay the rent. WY: So you stopped selling your signs in the restaurant? Simon: Straight away. I was in a good

antique shop in the back and she told me if you want, put up your sign. So I start to put the sign, and bing and bing and bing and bing. Straight away. WY: Tell me about the process that goes in to making your signs. Simon: I never start working on my signs here. I start home. I got a studio upstairs where I just start painting. And I bring them when they’re all white, like this. People come in and think the only thing I do is to sign my signature. They think I just sign. Some people don’t realize this takes time. A thing like these hanging ornaments, it takes about 15 days just to prep the wood. I cut the wood, we prep it. Two coats of undercoat, two coats of paint on both sides. After this, I put the white paint on. So it’s 20 days before I can say it’s done. There’s no more real art in New Orleans. There’s not too many who do all the preparation by hand. They finished with the marker in place of painting. For my paints, I have fi ve colors. Safety red, safety blue, safety yellow, orange Dutch, black and white. It is called safety red after the red stoplights. It catches the eyes of the people. You see something important. I keep these same colors, the same style for all the signs. WY: What kind of artistic training did you have, besides training as a chef? Simon: I did not have art training. Just cooking. When I was a chef, I loved to cook. But after this, nothing. I never liked too much art. I was just cooking, cooking, cooking. Nothing else. WY: Do you still cook in your own time? Simon: No, no. No time to waste. I don’t cook anymore. My wife, Maria, who’s Italian, she cooks great. But me, I don’t cook except for a barbeque. Or hot dogs, we do hot dogs. Going out to restaurants does not interest me. We close at 5:00 and I watch News with a Twist on the TV, have a glass of wine, and Maria, she cooks, and that’s it. WY: Well, I guess if you have really good cooking at home, why go out? Do you have any big projects coming up? Simon: No, not big projects. I keep it simple. WY: Or anything you’re especially excited about? Simon: Mardi Gras. I do the masks for the people marching, and then on Mardi Gras Day, I go down

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to the parades. After that, I do signs and masks for St. Patrick’s Day. After this is Easter. I do a Jesus Christ on the cross. And signs for French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest… boom, boom, boom. Graduation for Tulane. For graduation, it’s “Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?” WY: I’m sure you sell out of that one. What inspires you? Simon: New Orleans. WY: Like the music? Simon: After 20 years, I just stopped listening to music. WY: It’s just the city, then. Simon: Just the city. The people of New Orleans. They are great. Now I have three generations almost of people who come. They come back to tell me where their painting is. Most of my things go in the kitchen of people where it’s a good piece of conversation. In beginning, I took all the photos of people who buy something, and they were coming back with their family to show where they had the painting. I have all the photos since 1994. I have collection of 20 books of photos from all of the people. Simon’s sign store is located next to Antique’s on Jackson at 1028 Jackson Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130. You can call him at 524-8201. He also has a Facebook page, managed by his friend, where you can look at some of his artwork.

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 17

18 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Eyes are the Windows to the Soul

By Celeste Turner

e have all heard the phrase, “The eyes can be the windows to the soul.” But for Laurel True, a prolific local artist, you can see that her most recent mosaic work “Three Eyes” has enriched and illuminated the facade of the Shank Charcuterie, located at 2352 St. Claude Ave. in the heart of New Orleans. Bursting with creative expression, this display of mosaic eyes combines mirrors, glass and tile which was assembled in her studio at 2801 Chartres St., True Mosaics Studio, and installed onsite surrounding the windows of the butcher’s establishment.

True Mosiac Studios, 2801 Chartres St.

“I think that glass, tile and mirrors are visual calling cards,” True, co-founder of the Institute of Mosaic Art in California and devoted teacher of mosaic art, said. “I am enchanted with these materials – mirror, glass, tile – and collect things from urban structures to make artwork. I salvage and use building materials like asphalt that is cut into bits, and then put it next to glass or gold. The contrast of materials is very interesting.” True has been creating murals and sculptural forms for public, commercial and residential settings in New Orleans for almost 10 years, as well as around the globe for nearly 25 years. She does

commissioned work for hospitals, parks, commercial spaces and private residences. However, living in New Orleans, True enjoys making the city of New Orleans more appealing and beautiful with her community mosaic projects and street art. Another example of a recent communitybased project located closer to the River was the vibrant mosaic piece displayed in the Clouet Gardens in True’s Bywater neighborhood. With the community’s support, True shared her talents and created a dynamic mosaic centerpiece with about 50 people from the neighborhood, some of whom had not worked with mosaics. As a result, the community mural

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 19

mosaic project became the picturesque green space located on Clouet Street. “It was a cool project,” True said. “I saw a bare concrete wall which faces the park and thought it would be a good project. The community support was great around the planning and execution.” Amidst the trees and bushes on the corner of St. Claude Avenue and Spain Street, True spearheaded another community project, which involved the recent installation of the 13-foot Lotus Bench. With the assistance of her students during two Creative Placemaking workshops at True Mosaics Studio, and under the instruction of master sculptor Brent Sumner, True covered the concrete sculpture with a vibrant array of colors and designs including eyes dripping with emerald-colored pieces of tile and ceramic.

True's eye murals adorn Shank Chauterie, on St. Claude Ave. scale community projects was under the mosaic street artist Isaiah Zagar in the early 90s. As a young adult, True rediscovered her fanciful fascination with eyes while mentoring under Zagar. “Initially, I was working with textiles, fabrics and mirrors,” True said. “Then I saw this architectural mosaic project by Isaiah Zagar and started an apprenticeship with him, learning how to make fantastical mosaics using ceramic and mirror. And I continued to work with tile setters and learned their technique of tile.” Today, True continues to incorporate mosaic eyes into her community works, namely the Urban Eyes Project. Conceived approximately two years ago, the Urban Eyes Project in New Orleans is a community street art project as well as an ongoing global project involving the creation of mosaic eyes using salvaged mirror pieces. This inaugural series of mosaic murals shaped in the form of an eye are currently located on St. Claude Avenue around Clouet Street. True has received over 500 mosaic eyes from around the world created by various artists. She has also worked with local teens at NOCCA, as well as participants at her studio to make and create these mirrored, decorative eyes. “These eye pieces come alive with mirrors,” True said, reflecting on her street art and Three Eyes mosaics. “They are forever changing and moving. The people who are reflected in the artwork see and feel the mosaic piece on a whole another level.”

Glass, tile and mirrors are visual calling cards. “I love teaching mosaic art in a nontraditional way, like on the street. I feel very attached to seeing people be creative who thought they couldn’t do it. Creative expression has become marginalized in our society,” True said. As the founding director of the Global Mosaic Project, an organization that provides art education and public art to communities around the world, True has worked and trained youth in Haiti to create beautiful murals as a contribution to the rebuilding of communities after the 2010 earthquake. Her knowledge and passion for mosaic art has facilitated hundreds of mosaic projects in communities around the world, and trained thousands of project participants, students and volunteers in the United States, Africa, Europe, Latin America and Haiti. While True received a degree from University of Wisconsin in African Studies, her invaluable experience working on large-

20 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Laurel True oﬀers mosaic workshops in her New Orleans studio and around the world for students of all levels. You can contact her through her website or via her Facebook page.

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NOLA Vinyl You may be asking, “Where can I buy vinyl records in New Orleans?” Here are the top fi ve I visited. 1.

2. 3.

Why Vinyl? By Cassandra Damascus “Vinyl is the real deal. I've always felt like, until you buy the vinyl record, you don't really own the album. And it's not just me or a little pet thing or some kind of retro romantic thing from the past. It is still alive.”-Jack White (highest-selling vinyl album of 2014)

t’s uneasy [for me] to call the increased sales and usage of vinyl records a “comeback,” since vinyl’s never really left. Perhaps by “comeback” we mean “young people are buying vinyl records”. Nevertheless, the sale of vinyl records and turntables has boomed, with sales in the U.S. growing 260 percent since 2009, according to a Nielson report. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported, “For the fourth consecutive year, vinyl sales in the United States hit record levels, surpassing 9 million units for the first time in over 20 years.” What is the reason behind these soaring numbers? Why are vinyl records popular all over again? Is it just “how it is”? Like in fashion, how everything comes back around? Possibly. But after surveying nearly 100 locals, I found several reasons for the vinyl revival of which I am a part. Profoundly, most of the responses could be composited into four categories. 1.

We are bombarded with digital everything. With new technologies developing daily, there is a sense of stability and comfort when it comes to vinyl records. It’s as if they stand the test of time; and vinyl records are an easy fix if we feel the need to escape this world of information overload that we live in.

Tangible nostalgia. Holding a vinyl record is having the ability to literally grasp a memory. For example, maybe this Grateful Dead album has the song

22 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

that played when I first made out with a boy in high school: flashback to the tie dye tapestry behind him and hearing his pothead best friend in the next room coughing his face off. Flashback to that same boy’s Bar Mitzvah three years prior and how long that service was, but I looked "on fleek" in that pink top and skirt combo…you get the point. That is an example of tangible nostalgia. 3.

The Art of Storytelling, Part 1. If you have ever owned a vinyl record, you know there is a lot more than just a disc. There are images on the case, inside the case, perhaps a signature from the artist or a pamphlet included with the lyrics. It’s as if each album is a brief picture book. Who doesn’t study the ins and outs of a new album? Not many.

The Art of Storytelling, Part 2. Have you ever been over to a friend’s house and spotted a crate filled with vinyl records? Or, better yet, someone who you met along the parade route and kindly allowed you use of his or her bathroom? Naturally, once the crate is spotted, you start flipping through their collection and with each passing album that slips through your fingers, a better understanding (or judgment) is painted of that person. You cannot do that with digital music, at least not within the time limit of using a bathroom along a parade route.

4. 5.

Peaches. This New Orleans classic, typically found in the heart of the French Quarter, is now blessing us in the heart of Uptown. You can find them near Ms. Mae’s and Nirvana at 4318 Magazine St. (504) 282-3322 Domino Sound Record Shack. 2557 Bayou Road (504) 309-0871 Louisiana Music Factory. 421 Frenchmen St. (504) 586-1094 Jim Ruszsell Rare Records. 1837 Magazine St. (504) 522-2602 The Mushroom. 1037 Broadway St. (504) 866-6065

Finding a Turntable You bought your records, now you need a turntable. Most of the stores listed above offer turntables for sale in store. However, there are other options if you can’t find a fit for you in one of these establishments. On Amazon, you can find a turntable for as little as $40 or $50. You can get a Jensen 3-speed at Target for $45. Some turntables are rather ironic, providing the option to plug in your mp3 player or phone, and also offer Wi-Fi. Others come with a simple dial radio. Some are portable and come in a cute vintage suitcase. Some Crosley turntables come in the form of a vintage radio, may it be 1920 or 1980, and include cassette players as well (also making a small comeback of its own). I’m not a turntable connoisseur, but the two primary brands I have come across are Jensen and Crosley.

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Lakeside2Riverside U P C O M I N G F E S T I VA L S & E V E N T S

FESTIVALS & PARADES Freret Street Festival Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Freret Street between Napoleon & Robert freretstreetfestival.com Freret Street Festival incorporates over 150 local vendors of food, art and clothing in their yearly kick-off of the festival season. Come enjoy live music and peruse the many local vendors' booths in the friendly Freret Street neighborhood. Enjoy the best of New Orleans’ chefs outside of your typical restaurant setting, at sunny picnic seating. At this festival, you can even meet some of the dogs up for adoption from local animal shelter Zeus’ Palace.

throughout the city’s iconic French Quarter and beyond. Guests will enjoy a packed tableau of events to celebrate our patron playwright, his works and literary life, as well as contemporary artists. Fiesta Italiana Friday, April 1 - Sunday, April 3, Hours vary 405 Williams Blvd. at the Mississippi River, Kenner italianheritagefestival.com The Kenner Italian Heritage Festival, now in its 16th year in Rivertown, will feature a display of historical memorabilia and photographs from Kenner's Italian families, Italian and local music, children's activities, genealogical research tutoring, crafts and delicious Italian food from local vendors. The day was inspired by the rich Italian heritage and customs many Kenner residents share, such as the St. Rosalie Procession in Rivertown in September and the

Chris Owens Easter Parade Sunday, March 27, 1 p.m. Parade begins at Canal and Bourbon Streets and concludes on Canal Street at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel frenchquartereasterparade.com This Easter Day parade is lead by the Duchess, Chris Owens. She is a burlesque performer who has been a French Quarter celebrity since the 1960s and was inducted into the New Orleans Musical Legends Park in 2006. The celebration starts before the procession itself at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel ballroom with a brunch and continues throughout the afternoon. The parade is complete with Easter egg-shaped floats, elaborate Easter outfits and plenty of Easter trinkets. The 17th Annual Oﬃcial Gay Easter Parade Sunday, March 27, 4:30 p.m. French Quarter gayeasterparade.com The Gay Easter parade has been a tradition for 17 years now, and it is growing every year. This parade rolls down the street in style in the traditional mule-drawn carriages and old-fashioned convertibles, starting and ending their procession at Antoine’s. This year, the Grand Marshals will be businessman Ken GrandPre and celebrity/socialite Monica Synclaire-Kennedy. Bring your bonnet, because awards are given out for best Easter bonnet, best Easter basket and general Easter attire. The Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival Wednesday, March 30 – Sunday, April 3, Hours vary Various Locations in the French Quarter tennesseewilliams.net Celebrating 30 years of theatrical, literary, and cultural offerings, the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival hosts a stellar lineup at its annual event in locations

24 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Hogs for the Cause Friday, April 1- Saturday, April 2 at 3 p.m. New Orleans City Park at Zachary Taylor Drive hogsforthecause.org

ogs for the Cause is a fundraiser that provides aid and relief for families with children battling pediatric brain cancer. What started out as a simple pig roast has grown into a barbeque contest with over 90 teams and 15 bands performing at the event. Rain or shine, this event will feature a variety of local musicians and more pork than you could ever eat. The purpose of Hogs for the Cause is to provide aid and relief of those variable expenses and economic burdens which families face while their child is being treated for pediatric brain cancer; and

many St. Joseph altars in March of each year. The area has historically been associated with Italians who were successful farmers and hard workers in many professions. Cajun Hot Sauce Festival Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10, Hours vary SugArena, New Iberia www.sugarena.com Make plans to join the 13th Annual Cajun Hot Sauce Festival, being held on the grounds of the Sugarena at the Acadiana Fairgrounds in New Iberia, LA. The Festival features a queen’s contest along with arts and crafts booths, food vendors, carnival games, jambalaya cookoff, hot sauce competition talent contest, dance contest, plus entertainment with regional and national acts. Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival Friday, April 8 – Sunday, April 10; Hours vary Memorial Park, 301 N. Sixth St., Ponchatoula www.lastrawberryfestival.com For over 40 years, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has been attracting both young and old to its annual celebration of our legendary delicacy – the plump, juicy, sweet, Ponchatoula Strawberry. The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has provided a venue for the largest fundraiser for non-profit and charitable organizations since the early 70s. The festival prides itself as being one of the only festivals in which non-profit organizations are the only vendors on the oﬃcial festival grounds. The weekend festival offers live music, amusement rides, food booths and plenty of Pontchatoula strawberries. There’s a festival parade, cooking contests and a Strawberry Strut 5k, 10k and 1 mile fun run races.

to provide funding to pediatric oncology programs. Currently, Hogs for the Cause operates as the premier funding source for pediatric brain cancer outreach services in the United States and has given grants to over 350 families in need. 97 teams of BBQ competitors, comprised of a mix of some of the region’s top chefs, professional BBQ teams and backyard cooking fanatics, will compete for the Ben Sarrat, Jr., High on the Hog Cook-Off Grand Champion Title. The Grand Champion is pulled from the winners of the Whole Hog; Ribs; Pork Butt/Shoulder; and Porkpourri (anything pork) divisions. There are also awards for Best Sauce, Best Side presented by Blue Plate Mayonnaise, Martin’s Potato Roll Perfect Bite, Fundraising Champion, Best Friday Night Party and the patron’s pick for Fan Favorite. Patrons may sample food from every team for donations. Bring your appetite and your favorite fork!

Baton Rouge Blues Festival Saturday, April 9 – Sunday, April 10, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. South River Rd., Downtown Baton Rouge www.batonrougebluesfestival.org Originating in 1981, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival is one of the oldest blues festivals in America, first held on the campus of Southern University. The festival honors the legend of home-grown blues artists like Slim Harpo, Rudy Richard, Silas Hogan, Whisperin' Smith, Guitar Kelly, Schoolboy Cleve, Chewin' Gum Johnson and Raful Neal. Expanding outside our backyard, the festival has brought in nationally and internationally recognized names like Bobby Blue Bland, Marcia Ball, Phil Guy, Larry Garner and Charlie Musselwhite—including recent Grammy-nominee Ruthie Foster, who won the hearts of festival-goers in 2009.

FOOD & DRINK Louisiana Crawﬁsh Festival March 31 – April 3 Frederick J. Sigur Civic Center louisianacrawﬁshfestival.com

The Hospice Foundation of the South is hosting the 13th Annual Crawfish Cook-Off with 60 teams competing for the best-tasting crawfish. There will also be awards for the best-decorated booth and performances by Christian Serpas and Ghost Town, The Boogie Men and The TopCats. If the crawfish doesn't fill you up, hamburgers, hot dogs and refreshments will be available for purchase. Tickets are available in advance at Northshore Whitney Banks for $38 or $40 at the gate, buying you a day of fun for a good cause and all the crawfish you can eat.

SPORTS

Louisiana Derby Day: March 26 The Louisiana Crawfish Festival has been celebrated since 1975. Located in the historic St. Bernard Parish, it features a variety of Cajun delicacies and local parade bands. There is also a Children’s Pageant at the festival. Though the focus is crawfish, the festival is not limited to crawfish boils. At the event, you can find alligator, lobster, king cakes and even crawfish boudin. Get ready to suck the heads! New Orleans Food Festival Saturday, April 2 - Sunday, April 3; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The French Market and other locations nolafoodfest.com The New Orleans Food Festival brings chefs from across to the U.S. to one of the most food-focused cities in the country. The Food Fest will be taking over the French Market and other locations. From the rows of booths, sample famous local delicacies and out-of-town specialties alike. You can even watch the New Orleans Fire Department team compete for World Champion Beignet Eating Belt, a high-speed, high-intensity competition of endurance and appetite. Brunch Fest Presented by the Louisiana SPCA Sunday, April 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. City Park la-spca.org/brunchfest Brunch Fest NOLA is a free admission, pet-friendly celebration of music, brunch and animals. Brunch Fest benefits the animals of the Louisiana SPCA, and there will be breakfast-style cocktails and brunch food to enjoy, as well as a variety of vendors to shop. There will also be a Bloody Mary contest, in which professionals and individuals alike are encouraged to compete for the title of Best Bloody Mary. Make sure to wear your best brunch attire. 13th Annual Crawfish Cook-Off Saturday, April 16; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fritchie Park, 901 Howze Beach Road, Slidell hospicefoundationofthesouth.org

The Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic Saturday, March 26; 8 a.m. Begins on Poydras Street near Loyola Avenue in Downtown New Orleans and ends in New Orleans City Park ccc10k.com The 10k Crescent City Classic is an annual road race that welcomes walkers and runners of all speeds and ﬁtness levels. Starting at the Superdome and ending at City Park, this race combines a funrun spirit with serious athleticism. Since its start in 1979, it has become the preeminent ﬁtness event in Louisiana. There will also be a legendary post-race party complete with live music and local Creole cuisine, hosted by Michelob Ultra.

ALL ABUZZ Check out live music and daily happy hour specials at Aloft New Orleans Downtown Friday, April 1 Jon Roniger Thursday, April 7 Mighty Brother Friday, April 8 Renshaw Davies Thursday, April 14 Deslondes Friday, April 15 Adam Case Music starts at 5:30 PM

Louisiana Derby Day Saturday, March 26; First post at 12:30 p.m. Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, 1751 Gentilly Blvd. fairgroundsracecourse.com The 103rd Louisiana Derby promises to be another exciting capstone to the local racing season and is nationally signiﬁcant because it is the last major test before the Kentucky Derby. The Louisiana Derby will be the eighth race of the day at the Fair Grounds, and the combination of city and sport makes it a spectacle worthy of your social calendar. Be on the lookout as International Star is the morning line favorite. Tulane University Baseball Various Dates Greer Field at Turchin Field, Tulane Campus tulanegreenwave.com The baseball season has begun and Tulane has put together a strong team for the 2016 season. The team is 11-6 at the moment but it is just the beginning of the spring season. They are looking forward to exciting games against Illinois State, University of Connecticut, LSU and many others. You can purchase individual game tickets at the Green Wave website. Al Copeland Foundation Charity Golf Fest Friday, April 1; 10 a.m. Beau Chene Country Club Golf Course, 602 North Beau Chene Dr., Mandeville alcopelandfoundation.org The Al Copeland Foundation will hold its 8th Annual Charity Golf Fest at Beau Chene Country Club Golf Course to support revolutionary local cancer research, education and patient programs for the Copeland-LSU Health Sciences Center Partnership in Viruses, Cancer and Immunotherapy. Each entry includes green fees, cart fees, food and beverage on the course, breakfast before tee time, a 19th hole crawﬁsh party, a gift bag for each player and an Al Copeland Foundation golf shirt.

Aloft New Orleans Downtown 225 Baronne Street New Orleans, LA 70112 504 581 9225 aloftneworleansdowntown.com W XYZ bar • Fast & free WiFi • Splash pool • Re:charge gym & more ®

©2016 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Aloft and its logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms and conditions, visit aloftneworleansdowntown.com

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 25

MUSICCALENDAR House of Blues (the Parish)- DJQ Presents NOLA Fam House of Blues- Disturbed Kerry Irish Pub- Mark Appleford, Hurricane Refugees Le Bon Temps Roule- Davis Rogan Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot Maison- Roamin’ Jasmine, Shotgun Jazz Band Maple Leaf- June Yamagishi, Raymond Weber, Steve Malinowski Morning Call- Valere Sassyfras Old Point Bar- Rick Trolsen, Jamie Lynn Vessels One Eyed Jacks- Air Sex Championship Palm Court Jazz Club- Lucien Barbarin and Palm Court Jazz Band Preservation Hall- Preservation Hall Legacy Band Rock ‘n’ Bowl- the Topcats Snug Harbor- Ellis Marsalis Quintet Spotted Cat- Andy J Forest, Washboard Chaz Blues Trio Three Muses- Matt Johnson Trio Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Bayou Cajun Swamp Band, T’Canaille Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jay B. Elston Band Tropical Isle Original- Down River, the Hangovers, Late As Usual

Disturbed Legendary metal band Disturbed is back with its new album “Immortalized.” Catch them at the House of Blues for what is sure to be a phenomenal performance. Friday, March 25. House of Blues, 225 Decatur St. $45. houseofblues.com/neworleans Photo by Travis Shinn Tuesday, March 22 Banks Street Bar- Bastard Sons BMC- Jamey St Pierre and the Honeycreepers, Soul Company Bombay Club- Tom McDermott Chickie Wah Wah- Albanie Falletta, Jon Cleary Circle Bar- Kia Cavallero, Good English, Jesse Tripp Columns Hotel- New Orleans Guitar Masters feat. Jimmy Robinson, Cranston Clements and John Rankin Crazy Lobster- AC and the Heat d.b.a.- Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Hi-Ho Lounge- Spaghetti Western Show, Free Spirit Brass Band House of Blues (the Parish)- Dreamers and Arkells Howlin’ Wolf (the Den)- Comedy Beast, Asronauts etc., Harriet Brown Kerry Irish Pub- Jason Bishop Little Tropical Isle- Mark Pentone, Frank Fairbanks Maison- Swinging Gypsies, Gregory Agid Maple Leaf- Rebirth Brass Band Preservation Hall- Preservation Hall All-Stars feat. Joe Lastie Snug Harbor- Olivier Bou Trio Spotted Cat- Andy J Forest, Smoking Time Jazz Club Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jay B Elston Band, Jezebels Chill’n Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Jay B Elston Band Wednesday, March 23 Bandk Street Bar- Major Bacon BMC- Mark Appleford, Jason Neville Band Bombay Club- Tom McDermott Buffa’s- Open Mic Night Chickie Wah Wah- John Rankin Circle Bar- the Iguanas, Beyond the Darkness Crazy Lobster- Ken Swartz and the Palace of Sin d.b.a.- in Men, Walter “Wolfman” Washington and the Roadmasters Dragon’s Den- Reggae Night Eiffel Society- Society Salsa Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Hi-Ho Lounge- Shamarr Allen, DJ Chicken House of Blues (the Parish)- Jet Lounge Howlin’ Wolf (the Den)- Euforquestra Jefferson Orleans North- Jerry Embree and the Heartbeats Kerry Irish Pub- Patrick Cooper Lafayette Square- Anders Osborne, Colin Lake Little Gem Saloon- Lynn Drury Little Tropical Isle- Jay B Elston, Reed Lightfoot Maison- Jazz Vipers, Mutiny Squad Maple Leaf- Gravity A with Khris Royal Morning Call- Valerie Sassyfras One Eyed Jacks- Wild Feathers Palm Court Jazz Club- Lars Edegran and Topsy Chapman Preservation Hall- Preservation Hall All-Stars feat Will Smith Rock ‘n’ Bowl- Gal Holiday and the Honky Tonk Revue

26 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Snug Harbor- Uptown Jazz Orchestra Southport Hall- One Eyed Doll, Eyes, Set to Kill Spotted Cat- Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz band, Antoine Diel Three Muses- Leslie Martin, Sarah McCoy Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajungrass Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jezebel Chill’n, Debi & The Deacons Tropical Isle Original- Debi and the Deacons, Late As Usual Thursday, March 24 Banks Street Bar- Mid-City Aces BMC- Justin Donovan, Marcos and Crescent Citizen Bombay Club- Matt Johnson Buffa’s- Alexandra Scott and Josh Paxton, Tom McDermott Chiba- Monty Banks Chickie Wah Wah- Phil DeGruy & Emily Robertson, the Tipsy Chicks Crazy Lobster- the Spanish plaza d.b.a.- Little Freddie King Dragon’s Den- Ben Hunter, the ILL Vibe with DJ Matt Scott and Otto Funky Pirate- Mark & The Pentons, The Blues Masters Hi-Ho Lounge- Cirque Darling House of Blues- Tinashe Howlin’ Wolf (the Den)- Comedy Gumbeaux Kerry Irish Pub- Paintbox with Dave James and Tim Robertson Le Bon Temps Roule- Soul Rebels Little Gem Saloon- Evan Christopher and Clarinet Road Little Tropical Isle- Allen Hebert, Frank Fairbanks Maison- Jon Roniger, Rhythm Wizards, Dysfunktional Bone Maple Leaf- the Trio feat. Johnny Vidacovich and special guests Old Point Bar- Paul Molinario Project One Eyed Jacks- Junior Boys, Jessy Lanza, ‘80s and ‘90s Night Palm Court Jazz Club- Charlie Fardella and Crescent City Joymakers Preservation Hall- Preservation Hall All-Stars feat. Lucien Barbarin Rock ‘n’ Bowl- Christ Ardoin and Nu Step Saint Hotel- the Yat Pack Snug Harbor- Andy Narell and friends Spotted Cat- Sarah McCoy, Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Three Muses- Tom McDermott. Luke Winslow King Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon- Beach Combers, Debi & The Deacons, Tropical Isle Original, the Hangovers, Late As Usual Vaughan's Lounge- the Heart Attacks Friday, March 25 Banks Street Bar- Duummy Dumpster’s CD-release party BMC- Ruth Marie, Ed Willis and Blues4Sale, John Lisi and Delta Funk Bombay Club- Kitt Lough Buffa’s- Warren Battiste, Lynn Drury, Doyle Cooper Chickie Wah Wah- Michael Pearce, Greazy Alice Crazy Lobster- Ken Swartz and the Palace of Sin d.b.a.- Marc Stone Band Dragon’s Den- Loose Marbles Funky Pirate- Mark Stone Duo, The Blues Masters Hi-Ho Lounge- Maggie Belle Band, Marina Orchestra

Saturday, March 26 Banks Street Bar- Great Southern Railway, Baby Whisky BMC- Keith Stone, Kristina Morales, Johnny Maestro Bombay Club- Stephen Gordon Buffa’s- Red Hot Jazz Band, Sherman Bernard, Michael Liuzza Chickie Wah Wah- call club Crazy Lobster- the River Gang, the Neon Shadows Creole Cookery- Mark Weliky Trio d.b.a.- John Boutte, Rebirth Brass Band Dragon’s Den- Upstairs: Talk Nerdy to Me, Sadder Days Funky Pirate- Mark Stone Duo, The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- the Smith Street Band, Hard Girls, Worries Hi-Ho Lounge- the Rip Off Show, Hustle feat DJ Soul Sister House of Blues (the Parish)- Billsberry Flowboy Irish House- new Orleans Celtic Festival feat Four Shillings Short Kerry Irish Pub- Parsons, Old Money Little Tropical Isle- Jay B. Elston, Reed Lightfoot Louisiana Music Factory- Sweet Jones Maison- Chance Bushman and the Ibervillianaires, Big Easy Brawlers Maple Leaf- Khris Royal and Dark Matter Morning Call City Park- Billy D Chapman One Eyed Jacks- A New Orleans Musical Tribute to Joe Cocker Palm Court Jazz Club- Brian O’Connell and Palm Court Jazz Band Preservation Hall- Joint Chiefs of Jazz, Preservation Hall All-Stars Rock ‘n’ Bowl- Karma Saenger Theatre- Yanni Shamrock- Epic Snug Harbor- Dr. Michael White’s Original Liberty Jazz Band Spotted Cat- Jazz Band Ballers, Panorama Jazz Band, Dominick Grill Three Muses- Chris Christy, Debbie Davis, Shotgun Jazz Band Time Out- Andrew Bohren Tipitina’s- Darcy Malone, Raw Oyster Cult Tropical Island Bayou Club- Troubadour, Bayou Cajun Swamp Band, T’Canaille Tropical Island Bourbon- Rhythm and Rain, Debi and the Deacons Tropical Island Original- Down River, The Hangovers, Late as Usual Sunday, March 27 Bacchanal- the Tangiers Combo, the Tradsters, Roamin’ Jasmine

Banks Street Bar- Ron Hotstream and the Mid-City Drifters BMC- True Blues, Snake and the Charmers, Gal Holiday Bombay Club- Tom Hook Buffa’s- Some Like It Hot!, Nattie Sanchez’s Songwriting Circle Chickie Wah Wah- Sweet Olive Duo Crazy Lobster- the Gator Baits, Poppy’s All-Stars Dragon’s Den- Open Jazz Jam with Anuraag Pendyal Funky Pirate- Willie Lockett Band, Mark & The Pentones Hi-Ho Lounge- NOLA Comedy Hour Open Mic House of Blues- Hip Hop Sunday Howlin’ Wolf (the Den)- Hot 8 Brass Band Kermit’s Mother-in-Law Lounge- Kermit Ruﬃns Kerry Irish Pub- Chip Wilson Little Gem Saloon- Cecile Savage Duo Little Tropical Isle- Frank Fairbanks, Mark Parson Maison- Royal Street Winding Boys, Brad Walker, Corporate America Maple Leaf- Joe Krown Trio Morning Call City Park- Billy D Chapman Palm Court Jazz Club- Lucien Barbarin and Sunday Night Swingsters Preservation Hall- Preservation Hall Legacy Band, Preservation Hall All-Stars Snug Harbor- Topsy Chapman and Solid Harmony Spotted Cat- Sweetwater and Company, Kristina Morales, Pat Casey Three Muses- Raphael et Pascal, Linnzi Zaorski Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajungrass Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm and Rain, Debi and the Deacons Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late As Usual Monday, March 28 Banks Street Bar- Lauren Sturm’s Piano Night Showcase, South Jones BMC- Lil’ Red and Big Bad, Will Funk Bombay Club- Josh Paxton Buffa’s- Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel Chickie Wah Wah- Alex Pianovich, Alexis and the Samurai Crazy Lobster- the Insta-Gators d.b.a.- Luke Winslow King, Glen David Andrews Funky Pirate- Willie Lockett Band Hi-Ho Lounge- Bluegrass Pickin’s Party, Instant Opus Howlin’ Wolf (the Den)- Civil Youth, Shy Gemini, Elysian Feel Kerry Irish Pub- Kim Carson Little Tropical Isle- Frank Fairbanks, Reed Lightfoot Maison- Chicken and Waﬄes, Aurora Nealand, Soul Company Maple Leaf- George Porter Jr. Trio Morning Call- Valerie Sassyfras Ooh poo Pah Doo- James Andrews and the Crescent City All-Stars Preservation Hall- Preservation Hall Jazz Masters feat. Leroy Jones The Saint- Motown Mondays with DJ Shane Love Snug Harbor- Charmaine Neville Band Tropical Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm & Rain Tropical Isle Original- Graham Robinson Band, Trop Rock Express Tuesday, March 29 BMC- Jamey St. Pierre and the Honeycreepers, Soul Company Bombay Club- Tom McDermott Chickie Wah Wah- Albanie Falletta Crazy Lobster- AC and the Heat d.b.a.- Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Dos Jefes- Tom Hook and Wendell Brunious

SymphonyoftheGoddesses The orchestra of one of the most popular video games of all time, The Legend of Zelda is coming to New Orleans. Fans will enjoy favorite game moments and live performances of theme music. Friday, April 1. Saenger Theatre, 1111 Canal St. $34 GA. saengernola.com

d.b.a.- Tin Men, Walter “Wolfington” Washington and the Roadmasters Dragon’s Den- Reggae Night Eiffel Society- Society Salsa Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Hi-Ho Lounge- Shamarr Allen, DJ Chicken House of Blues (the Parish)- Jet Lounge Jefferson Orleans North- Jerry Embree and the Heartbeats Kerry Irish Pub- Vincent Marini Lafayette Square- Cyril Neville’s Royal Southern Brotherhood, Pat Casey Little Gem Saloon- Lynn Drury Little Tropical Isle- Jay B. Elston, Reed Lightfoot Maison- Bayou Saints, Jazz Vipers, Crooked Vines Maple Leaf- Gravity A and special guests Morning Call- Valerie Sassyfras Palm Court Jazz Club- Lars Edegran and Topsy Chapman Preservation Hall- Preservation Hall All-Stars feat. Mark Braud Rock ‘n’ Bowl- the Creole Stringbeans Snug Harbor- Uptown Jazz Orchestra Spotted Cat- Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band, Antoine Diel Three Muses- Leslie Martin Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajungrass Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jezebel Chill’n, Debi & The Deacons Tropical Isle Original- Debi and the Deacons, Late As Usual

TheyMightBeGiants They Might Be Giants is stopping in New Orleans on what they say will be their last US tour with their third album release this year. Don’t miss out! Saturday, April 2. House of Blues, 225 Photo by Shervin Lainez Decatur St. $25.00. houseofblues.com/neworleans Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Hi-Ho Lounge- Hippie Sabotage House of Blues- Issues Crown the Empre, One OK Rock Howlin Wolf (the Den)- Comedy Beast Kerry Irish Pub- Jason Bishop Little Gem Saloon- NOLA Dukes Band Showcase Little Tropical Isle- Mark Pentone, Frank Fairbanks Maison- Swinging Gypsies, Gregory Agid Maple Leaf- Rebirth Brass Band Preservation Hall- Preservation Hall All-Sars feat. Will Smith Roussel Hall (Loyola University)- James Carter String Quartet Snug Harbor- Deanna Witkowski Trio Spotted Car- Andy J Forest, Jamey St Pierre and the Honeycreepers,

Smoking Time Jazz Club Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jay B Elston Band, Jezebels Chill’n Tropical Isle Original- the Hangovers, Jay B Elston Band Wednesday, March 30 Banks Street Bar- Major Bacon BMC- Mark Appleford, Jason Neville Band Bombay Club- Tom McDermott Buffa’s- Open Mic Night Chickie Wah Wah- John Rankin, Lightnin’ Malcolm Circle Bar- the Iguanas Crazy Lobster- Ken Swartz and the Palace of Sin

Thursday, March 31 Banks Street Bar- Ted Hefko & the Thousandaires BMC- Justin Donovan, Marcos and Crescent Citizen Bombay Club- Oscar Rossignoli Buffa’s- Alexandra Scott & Josh Paxton, Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand Chiba- Tom Worrell Chickie Wah Wah- Phil DeGruy & Emily Robertson, the Tipsy Chicks d.b.a.- Lightnin’ Malcolm Davenport Lounge- Jeremy Davenport Dos Jefes- the Iguanas Dragon’s Den- Ben Hunter, the ILL Vibe with DJ Matt Scott Funky Pirate- Marc Stone Duo, Blues Masters feat. Big Al Hi-Ho Lounge- Painted Honey, Elizabeth McBride Howlin’ Wolf (the Den)- Comedy Gumbeaux Jazz and Heritage Center- Cyrus Chestnut Kerry Irish Pub- Beth Patterson Le Bon temps Roule- Soul Rebels Little Tropical Isle- Allen Hebert, Mike Berger Maison- Jon Roniger, Loose Marbles, Dysfunktional Bone Maple Leaf- the Trio feat. Johnny Vidacovich and special guests Palm Court Jazz Club- Crescent City Joymakers Preservation Hall- Preservation Hall Legacy Band, Preservation Hall All-Stars Rok ‘n’ Bowl- Leroy Thomas

Saint Hotel- The Yat Pack Snug Harbor- Arson Funderburg, Mark Hummel and Charlie Baty Spotted Cat- Sarah McCoy, Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Three Muses- Tom McDermott, Luke Winslow King Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon- Beach Combers, Debi & The Deacons, Tropcal Isle Original, the Hangovers, Late As Usual Vaughan’s Lounge- Corey Henry and Treme Funktet Friday, April 1 8 Block Kitchen & Bar at The Hyatt- The Stephanie Jordan Ensemble Blue Nile- Cha Wa Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant- Chip Wilson, Camile Badouin and Papa Mali, Shynola Jazz Band Café Negril- Dana Abbott Band Circle Bar- The Chris Lee Experience, The Hoppers + Phantom Fiction The Civic Theater- Iliza Shlesinger D’Macs Bar & Grill- Truman Holland, DJ Fireworks Dos Jefes- Panorama Jazz Band Funky Pirate- Mark Stone Duo, Mark & The Pentones, The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- Gentlemen Commoners House of Blues- Janet Burgan, Jake Landry, Marcos & Crescent Citizen Houston’s Restaurant- David Hansen’s Garden District Trio The Howlin’ Wolf- Quinn DeVeaux Band & Alex McMurrayLittle Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot The Old Arabi Bar- Alabama Slim Old Point Bar- Rick Trolson, Jamey St. Pierre & The Honeycreepers Old U.S. Mint- Armand St. Martin One Eyed Jacks- Andrew Duhon Trio with Dylan Leblanc Republic New Orleans- Hucci Saenger Theatre- The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses Siberia- GRISTNAM, Hollow Leg, Eat The Witch Spotted Car Music Club- Andy Forest, Washboard Chaz Trio, Cottonmouth Kings Three Muses- Royal Roses, Glen David Andrews Tipitina’s- SABOTAGE: New Orleans Beasties Tribute Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Bayou Cajun Swamp Band, T’Canaille Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jay B. Elston Band Tropical Isle Original- Down River, the Hangovers, Late As Usual Saturday, April 2 8 Block Kitchen & Bar at The Hyatt- The Stephanie Jordan Ensemble Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant- Suzy Malone, If I were a King or a Carpenter, Cole Williams Café Negril- Jamey St. Pierre & The Honeycreepers Circle Bar- The Short Street Band, Miss Wallace + DJ GrisGris

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 27

Dew Drop Social & Benevolent Society Hall- Leyla McCalla String Trio, Yvette Voelker & Swinging Heathens Dos Jefes- Sansone, Krown, & Fohl Funky Pirate- Mark Stone Duo, Mark & The Pentones, The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- Impetus, Ryley Walker Hi Ho Lounge- Hustle with DJ Soul Sister House of Blues- They Might Be Giants, Jennifer Westwood & The Handsome Devils Houston’s Restaurant- David Hansen’s Garden District Trio The Howlin’ Wolf- Cake Walk, Organized Crime, Aaron Cohen Band, Spare Change Little Tropical Isle- Jay B. Elston, Reed Lightfoot Mardi Gras World- ELS Show Band The Old Arabi Bar- The Melatauns Old Point Bar- Magnolia Dream Old U.S. Mint- Tom McDermott, Ingrid Lucia + Charlie Miller, The Silver Swan Ragtime Quartet, Opera Creole featuring Wilfred Delphin, the New John Robichaux Society Orchestra One Eyed Jacks- Melvins + Napalm Death with Melt Banana Palm Court Jazz Café- Lars Edegran’s New Orleans Ragtime Orchestra Republic New Orleans- ELEVENS featuring Speaker of the House Rivershack Gretna- Paul Molinario Project Shamrock- Barhoppers Southern Food & Beverage Museum- Helen Gillet Siberia- Max Bien-Kahn, Chris Acker, Tasce De La Rocha, The Psycho-Devilles, The Bediamville Triflers, The Unnaturals Spotted Cat Music Club- A2D2 Experience, Panorama Jazz Band, Davis Rogan Three Muses- Chris Christy, Gal Holiday, Shotgun Jazz Band Tropical Island Bayou Club- The Troubadour, Bayou Cajun Swamp Band, T’Canaille Tropical Island Bourbon- Rhythm and Rain, Debi and the Deacons Tropical Island Original- Down River, The Hangovers, Late as Usual Twist of Lime- The JimJims Sunday, April 3 100 Men Hall- Waylon Thibodeaux Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant- Swamp Donkeys Café Istanbul- Helen Gillet, Sarah Quintana, Yegor Romanstov & more Circle Bar- Micah MCKee & Little Maker & Blind Texas Marlin, Country Night Dos Jefes- Sean Riley Blues Band Funky Pirate- Willie Lockett Band, Mark & The Pentones House of Blues-Tech N9ne Houston’s Restaurant- David Hansen’s Garden Trio The Howlin’ Wolf- Hot 8 Brass Band, Stevie B + Lisa Lisa + Debbie Deb and more

331 331 Decatur Decatur 527-5954 527-5954 Best Best Guinness Guinness In In New New Orleans Orleans Live Live Music Music Nightly Nightly NO NO COVER COVER www.kerryirishpub.com www.kerryirishpub.com Every3/24 Tuesday in March – Honky Tonk Thurs. Paintbox w/ Dave James & Tuesday with Jason Bishop98:30 Tim Robertson pm pm!! Fri. 3/25

Mark Appleford

Fri. 3/25 Fri. 3/04 Sat. 3/26 Sat. 3/26 Sat. 3/05 Mon. 3/28

Hurricane Refugees 9 pm Patrick Cooper 5 pm Mark Parsons 5 pm Rubin/Wilson Folk-Blues Explosion 9 pm Old Moneyv9 pm Speed The Mule pm Kim Carson 8:305pm

Thurs. 3/31

Ruby Ross 9 pm Beth Patterson 9 pm

Fri. 4/01 Thurs. 3/10 Fri.3/11 4/01 Fri.

Patrick Cooper 95pm pm Foot & Friends OneHudson Tailed Three Van 5 pm 9 pm

Sat. 4/02

Sat. 4/02 Sat. 3/12 Sun. 4/03 Mon. 4/04

5 pm

Speed The Mule 5 pm Hurricane Refugees 9 pm Mark Hessler & Harold Vivien Mark Parsons 5 pm Patrick Cooper 8 pm Roux The Day!8:30 9 pm Kim Carson pm

9 pm

Sun. 3/13

Traditional Irish Session 5 pm French Quarter Fest Weekend! Mon. 3/14 Kim Carson 8:30 pm Thurs. 4/07 Beth Patterson 8:30 pm Fri. 4/08

Crossing Canal w/Ruby Ross &

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!! Live Irish Music w/

Thurs. 3/17

Fri. 4/08

Patrick Cooper

4 pm

Van Hudson 12:00 pm (Noon)

Rubin/Wilson Folk-Blues Explosion

Thurs. 3/17 8 pmSpeed The Mule 3:30 pm

Thurs. Roux The Day! 7:30 pm – til the Sat. 4/093/17 Hurricane Refugees 4 pm Sat. 4/09

Rouxwee The Day! hours8 pm

Sun. 4/10

Kim Carson

Sun. 4/10 Fri. 3/18

One Tailed Three 8 pm Patrick Cooper 5 pm

4 pm

Mon. 4/11 Sat. 3/19 Wed. 4/13

One Tailed Three 9 pm Kim Carson 8:30 pm Speed The Mule8:30 5 pm Tim Robertson pm

Thurs. 4/14

Frank Sautier &8:30 Friends Mark Parsons pm 9 pm

Fri. 4/15 Mon. 3/21 Fri. 4/15

Patrick Cooper pm Kim Carson 8:305pm Van Hudson & Friends

9 pm

28 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Little Tropical Isle- Frank Fairbanks, Mark Parsons Marigny Brasserie- Jimmy Sweetwater & Co. Old Point Bar- Isla Nola, Romy Kaye & the Mercy Buckets Ralph’s On the Park- Joe Krown Siberia- The Freeze, Rotten Stitches, The Bills, Death Church, AR-15 Spotted Cat Music Club- Pfister Sisters, Kristina Morales, Pat Casey Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajungrass Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm and Rain, Debi and the Deacons Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late As Usual Monday, April 4 Blue Nile- Brass-A-Holics Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant- Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel Circle Bar- Phil the Tremolo King D’Macs Bar & Grill- Blues Jam featuring Danny Alexander Dos Jefes- John Fohl Funky Pirate- Willie Lockett Band Gasa Gasa- Ghost Note: A Snarky Puppy side project Little Tropical Isle- Frank Fairbanks, Reed Lightfoot Spotted Cat Music Club- Sara McCoy, Dominick Grillo, Jazz Vipers Tropical Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm & Rain Tropical Isle Original- Graham Robinson Band, Trop Rock Express

M83 Self-proclaimed “space-age future pop” artist M83, known of his hit “Midnight City”, is taking over the Civic Theatre with special guest YACHT. Wednesday, Apr. 6. Civic Theatre, 510 Photo O’Keefe Ave. $36.50 GA. Civicnola.com by Andrew Arthur

Tuesday, April 5 BMC- Jamey St. Pierre & The Honeycreppers Circle Bar- Kia Cavallaro & Friends Columns Hotel- Tim Laughlin & John Rankin Dos Jefes- Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Ellis Marsalis Center for Music- Rockin’ Steady House of Blues- Open Mic Night featuring Michael Hayes Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters Gasa Gasa- Ghost Note: A Snarky Puppy side project Little Tropical Isle- Mark Pentone, Frank Fairbanks The Old Arabi Bar- Open Mic featuring Nervous Duane Saint Roch Tavern- Jerry Giddens & Cody Blaine Spotted Cat Music Club- Andy Forest Band, Meschiya Lake Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jay B Elston Band, Jezebels Chill’n Tropical Isle Original- the Hangovers, Jay B Elston Band Wednesday, April 6 Bacchanal Fine Wine and Sprits- Jesse Morrow Trio Circle Bar- The Iguanas The Civic Theatre- M83 + The Yacht D’Macs Bar and Grill- Holly Rock Funky Pirate- The Blues Masters House of Blues- Set it Off, Waterparks, Jet Lounge, Set it Off, Dr Jee Yeoun

Houston’s Restaurant- David Hansen’s Garden District Trio Lafayette Square- Amanda Shaw and The Vettes Little Tropical Isle- Jay B Elston, Reed Lightfoot Morning Call in The Oaks- Krewe du Two The Old Arabi Bar- Sam Price The Old U.S. Mint- Erin Demastes Spotted Cat Music Club- Chris Christy, Shotgun Jazz Band, Antoine Diel Three Muses- Leslie Martin, Hot Club of New Orleans Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajungrass Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jezebel Chill’n, Debi & The Deacons Tropical Isle Original- Debi and the Deacons, Late As Usual University of New Orleans: The Sandbar at The Cove- Todd Duke Thursday, April 7 Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant- Alexandra Scott & Josh Paxton, Tom McDermott & Aurora Nealand Circle Bar- Rik Slave’s Country Persuasion, The Atlantic Thrills Cocktails International- Bongo Roy D’Macs Bar and Grill- Outlaw Country Jam featuring Jason Bishop Dos Jefes- The Todd Duke Trio Funky Pirate- Mark & The Pentons, The Blues Masters House of Blues- The Fighter and The Kid Live, Ken Swartz, Hazy Ray Houston’s Restaurant- David Hansen’s Garden District Trio The Howlin’ Wolf- The Soul Rebels, Tank and the Bangas Le Bon Temps Roule- The Soul Rebels Little Tropical Isle- Allen Hebert, Frank Fairbanks Marigny Brasserie- Jamey St. Pierre & Dave Freeson The Old Arabi Bar- M.F.P.D. Siberia- PEARS, Such Gold, Donovan Wolfington, CLASSHOLE Spotted Cat Music Club- Sarah McCoy, Miss Sophie Lee, Jumbo Shrimp Three Muses- Tom McDermott, Luke Winslow King Tipitina’s- Eric Bolivar, Nigel Hall, Eric “Benny” Bloom & more Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon- Beach Combers, Debi & The Deacons, Tropical Isle Original, the Hangovers, Late As Usual Tulane University Lavin Bernick Center- The Jazz at the Rat Series Friday, April 8 8 Block Kitchen & Bar at The Hyatt- The Stephanie Jordan Ensemble Blue Nile- Naughty Professor Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant- Warren Battiste, Margie Perez, Ben Fox Trio Café Negril- Natalie Mae, Minimal Friday, Rob Cambre, Steve Kenney Circle Bar-Natalie Mae, R.L Boyce, Guitar Lightnin’ Lee The Civic Theatre- Digitour d.b.a.- The Soul Rebels D’Macs Bar and Grill- Sturmlandia, DJ Fireworks Dos Jefes- Roderick Paulin Funky Pirate- Mark Stone Duo, Mark & The Pentones, The Blues Masters

BlackTigerSexMachine This electronic dance music trio hailing from Montreal wow audiences with its postapocalyptic visuals and intense electro-dance beats. Friday, April 8. Republic NOLA, 828 S Peters St. $15.00 GA. Republicnola.com House of Blues- CHON + Polyphia + Strawberry Girls, Tribute to Toussaint, New Orleans Trombone Choir, Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces, Kumasi, Michot’s Melody Makers, Luke Winslow King Houston’s Restaurant- David Hansen’s Garden District Trio Little Tropical Isle- Reed Lightfoot The Old Arabi Bar- Mike Darby & The House of Cards Old Point Bar- Rick Trolsen, Jamie Lynn Vessels One Eyed Jacks- Into It. Over It. + The World Is A Beautiful Place Republic New Orleans- Black Tiger Sex Machine Siberia- Frankie Cosmos, Eskimeaux, Anna McClellan, Guts Club Spotted Cat Music Club- Andy Forest, Washboard Chaz Trio Tipitina’s- Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes + David Jordan Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Bayou Cajun Swamp Band, T’Canaille Tropical Isle Bourbon- Jay B. Elston Band Tropical Isle Original- Down River, the Hangovers, Late As Usual Twist of Lime- Baby Whiskey + Final Drive + Sound Prism & More Saturday, April 9 8 Block Kitchen & Bar at The Hyatt- The Stephanie Jordan Ensemble Blue Nile- Brass-A-Holics Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant- Molly Reeves, Dapper Dandies, Davis Rogan Café Negril- Jamey St. Pierre & The Honeycreepers Circle Bar- Heidijo, Leo “Bud” Welch + Guitar Lightin’ Lee & His Thunder Band Dos Jefes- Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots Fair Grinds Coffeehouse- Ajeanette Funky Pirate- Mark Stone Duo, Mark & The Pentones, The Blues Masters Hi Ho Lounge- Hustle with DJ Soul Sister House of Blues- Better than Ezra, Brint Anderson Trio, Magnetic Ear, Gypsy Elise & the Royal Blues, Hazy Ray, TYSSON Houston’s Restaurant- David Hansen’s Garden District Trio Little Tropical Isle- Jay B. Elston, Reed Lightfoot The Old Arabi Bar- Paula & The Pontiacs Old Point Bar- Diablo’s Horns The Pour House Saloon- Drake White & The Big Fire Republic New Orleans- ELEVENS featuring Louis Futon Shamrock - Clustafunk Siberia- Gal holiday and Her Honky Tonk Revue, 5AM Rumblestrip Spotted Cat Music Club- Shotgun Jazz Band, Panorama Jazz Band Three Muses- Chris Christy, The Bella Donnas, Shotgun Jazz Band Tipitinas- DJ RQ Away + ARTSOULLIFE & Friends Tropical Island Bayou Club- The Troubadour, Bayou Cajun Swamp Band Tropical Island Bourbon- Rhythm and Rain, Debi and the Deacons Tropical Island Original- Down River, The Hangovers, Late as Usual Zephyr Field- Mumford & Songs and Blake Mills Sunday, April 10 30/90- Mainline Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant- Swamp Kitchen, Jenna Guidry, Spike Perkins Café Istanbul- Leroy Jones Circle Bar- Micah McKee & Little Maker + Blind Texas Marlin D’Macs Bar & Grill- Lauren Sturm Dos Jefes- Captain Midnight & Lil’ Rae Rae Funky Pirate- Willie Lockett Band, Mark & The Pentones House of Blues- The Church, Chris Pureka, 40 Oz Bounce & 40 Oz Van, Jake Landry & The Right Lane Bandits, Cary Hudson, Kent Burnside, Cedric Burnside Project Houston’s Restaurant- David Hansen’s Garden District Trio The Howlin’ Wolf- Hot 8 Brass Band

Little Tropical Isle- Frank Fairbanks, Mark Parsons The Old Arabi Bar- Janet Burgan Band, Irene Sage Old Point Bar- Amanda Walker, Jeanne Marie Harris Ralph’s On The Park- Joe Krown Spotted Cat Music Club- Yvette Voelker, Kristina Morales Three Muses- Raphael Bass, Linnzi Zaorski Tropical Isle Bayou Club- Cajungrass Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm and Rain, Debi and the Deacons Tropical Isle Original- The Hangovers, Late As Usual Pat Casey & The New Sound The Tigermen Den- Bobby Michot Monday, April 11 Blue Nile- Brass-A-Holics Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant- Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel Circle Bar- TV Girl Funky Pirate- Willie Lockett Band Gasa Gasa- Acid Mothers Temple, Mounds, Druids Little Tropical Isle- Frank Fairbanks, Reed Lightfoot Spotted Cat Music Club- Sarah McCoy, Dominick Grillo, Jazz Vipers Tropical Bayou Club- Cajun Drifters Tropical Isle Bourbon- Rhythm & Rain Tropical Isle Original- Graham Robinson Band, Trop Rock Express

Dryades YMCA 2016 STEM & SWIM SUMMER CAMP

YOUTH LEARN, GET OUTDOORS AND DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Mumford&Sons With Black Mills as its opener, Zephyr Field will be overrun when Mumford and Sons perform songs from their new album "Wilder Mind." Saturday, April 9. Zephyr Field, 6000 Airline Dr., Metarie. $59.50 GA. mumfordandsons.com

This year’s camp promises to be complete with STEM (SCIENCE • TECHNOLOGY • ENGINEERING • MATH), arts and crafts, instructional swimming and field trips! This year the Dryades YMCA has partnered with STEM NOLA. STEM NOLA was established to expose, inspire and engage individuals about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Summer is all about values, fun and learning at the Dryades YMCA Summer Camp! WHEN • June 6 – July 15, 2016, Mon – Fri (8 am – 3 pm) • Before Care (7am – 8am)/After Care (3 pm – 5 pm) ($25.00 each per Week) WHERE • 2220 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, NOLA 70113

CAMP COST • $150 per week/Sliding Fee Scale Limited Financial Assistance Available

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION • Registration from February 29, 2016 to April 30, 2016 Only pay $125 per week

AGES 5 to 14 Years

REGISTRATION February 15th – May 13th, 2016 • $50

CONTACT Jermaine Bridges 504.522.8811 or jbridges@dryadesymca.com

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 29

Probably Baking Challah French Toast with a Blood Orange Rosemary Curd

MAKE MINE A TRIPLE. CRAFTED COCKTAILS AND LOCAL MICROBREWS. MOUTH-WATERING APPETIZERS. LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT. Experience a perfect trifecta of what makes our city unique. Batch Bar offers a sophisticated menu and setting, plus live music on the weekend, all in a convenient French Quarter location. Come make it yours. Enjoy DRINK SPECIALS and $3 DRAFT MICROBREWED BEERS at our

HAPPY HOUR, MONDAY-THURSDAY FROM 4-7 PM.

his recipe is really, really, really, good. I actually got the base for this recipe from the hot babes over at Bon Appetit Magazine and they obviously know what they're doing. It's got a slight buttery crunch on the outside and a perfectly sweet custardy center. I've topped it off with a curd made with ingredients from my local organic farmers market and some fresh rosemary. Share it with your lover, or a friend, or your boss, or — hell I don't know — maybe your boss is also your bff / you guys sleep together? Just eat this with someone. Or actually maybe it would be better alone.

Challah French Toast • • • • • • • •

1 loaf of challah, cut into 6 thick slices 6 large eggs 3/4 c heavy cream 3/4 c whole milk 1/4 c sugar Pinch of salt 2 T unsalted butter 2 T coconut oil, divided

Preheat oven to 250 degrees to keep the French toast warm as you make each piece. Whisk together eggs, cream, milk, sugar and salt in casserole dish or lasagna pan. Add bread to the pan and press down gently to absorb the custard mix. Let sit for 10 minutes before flipping and

The ultimate bar experience, at the Hyatt French Quarter 504 586 0800 | 800 Iberville St | NOLA

30 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

By Beau Ciolino

repeating for another 10 minutes. Heat a tablespoon of the butter and a tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. It'll foam, but the foam will subside and once that happens, lift three slices of brioche (or however many will fit into the skillet) and cook in the skillet until golden brown and the center bounces back when pushed, about two minutes per side. Remove from skillet and place on wire rack set in a baking sheet in the oven to keep warm while preparing the rest. Use the remaining butter/oil as necessary.

Blood Orange Rosemary Curd •

3 large eggs

• • • • • • • •

2 egg yolks 1/2 c fresh blood orange juice (about 3 - 4 oranges) 1 stick unsalted butter, chilled, cubed 1 T lemon juice 1 t lemon zest 1 T blood orange zest 1/4 t orange oil (optional) 1 large sprig of rosemary, chopped (the leaves only, obvi, discard the stem)

In a medium skillet, whisk together the egg yolks and eggs. Add the citrus juices, zest, orange oil and rosemary, and whisk to combine. Add the butter and put the skillet over medium heat, then stir constantly for eight minutes until it thickens. Make sure the mixture never begins to boil, though occasional bubbles are fine. Strain curd into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate for at least four hours. To assemble the breakfast we had, just plop a dollop of the curd atop your freshly made French toast!

Notes •

Unlike I had hoped, the curd isn't bursting with pinkish red color, so if that's something that is super important to you (no judgment here, girl), consider adding a few teaspoons of pomegranate or beet juice to brighten it up. I didn't test this, it may make it just a sick brown color, just an idea though! • Not overheating the curd is super important, and doing so will make the texture be slightly grainy instead of smooth and velvety. • Thick slabs of French toast are the best thing in the world, but keep in mind that the thicker you cut the bread, the higher risk you run of having a totally non-custardy inside that is still just cold bread. If you do go thick, give the toast extra time to soak all the way through! Serves 2 to 3

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 31

Satsuma on Maple Street's Dog Treats

20 and Under

Bowwow Brunch

By Kim Ranjbar

pringtime is upon us and along with blooming flowers and warmer weather, a literal multitude of festivals will be filling the city with food, music and fun. Amidst all of this frivolity, one can't help but consider our furry friends who are left at home, watching us walk through the door for yet another event to which they were not invited. Thankfully, the Louisiana SPCA just announced their first ever Brunch Fest (www.la-spca.org/brunchfest) that's happening Sunday, April 3 at New Orleans City Park. Chriss Knight and Andrew Ward will emcee this pet-friendly, free festival and it will feature brunchy delights from local restaurants like Brown Butter, The Cheezy Cajun and The Ruby Slipper. Plus there will be a banner Bloody Mary contest judged by local libation celebrities Brenda Maitland, Scott Gold, Tim McNally and Ann Tunnerman. While we're all excited about the first-ever, pet-friendly Brunch Fest to hit the GNO,

32 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

what about the rest of the year? Luckily, there are quite a few spots in town where you can enjoy a weekend brunch with your four-footed best friend by your side. Take a walk to Wakin' Bakin' in Mid-City where you and your pooch can enjoy your brunch outside on one of several benches lining Banks Street. Feast on pancrepes & pork, a queso-burrito or their heavenly Gravy Train with a side of fresh fruit to share. Feelin' lazy? If you live nearby, you can get your brunch delivered right to your door. Easily one of the best breakfast spots in the Bywater, Cake Cafe & Bakery is a great place to hang out with â&#x20AC;&#x153;man's best friend.â&#x20AC;?

Toast's Monte Cristo Located on the corner of Chartres and Spain Streets, this neighborhood gem offers plenty of outdoor tables for you and your pup to share. Feast on dishes like fried local catfish and eggs, a crab omelet with fresh spinach and melted brie, boudin and eggs with stone ground grits or one of their delectable pastries baked fresh every morning.

Jump into the car for a ride uptown to Toast. With more tables outside than in, it would be a sin not to bring your dog for brunch at this exceptional corner cafe. Let chef/owner Cara Benson wow you with her pillow-light quiche, sweet and savory crepes, breakfast sandwiches like the Monte Cristo and, of course, her terrific toasts.

Wakin' Bakin's Gravy Train Another great Uptown spot to spend a day with your dog is Satsuma on Maple Street. Replete with tons of outdoor seating, hanging out with Fido while enjoying a cuppa joe is a cinch at this Carrollton-area hotspot. Score a Mexican Breakfast Plate with creamy black beans and pico de gallo, a Green Breakfast

Sandwich with lots of arugula and avocado or an Asian Tofu Scramble with broccoli and green coconut curry. Along with gluten-free cookies and other sweet snacks, Satsuma Maple often offers freshly baked treats for your dog that smell so good, it's hard for mere humans to resist.

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 33

Food News F

By Kim Ranjbar

arewell to Filipino food … Due to exorbitant rents, the popular Filipino restaurant Milkfish was forced to shutter. Owner/chef Cristina Quackenbush opened her novel restaurant only two years ago with much ado and acclaim. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough for survival in the teeming Mid-City food corridor on N Carrollton Avenue. Hopefully Quackenbush will find another place for her Filipino restaurant to thrive. 125 N Carrollton Ave., (504) 267- 4199, milkﬁ shnola.com

Restaurant R'evolution's Seafood Gumbo

34 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Fabulous fusion … Chefs Jean-Pierre Guidry and Carl Schaubhut have joined forces to launch Bäcobar across Lake Pontchartrain in Covington. Touted as “international street food with a South Louisiana soul,” the cuisine at Bäcobar combines the best of Latin and Asian flavors for dishes that chefs (and us regular Joes) crave. Open daily, Bäcobar's menu features items like Shrimp Remoulade Summer Rolls, Blue Crab Bisque, a

Bäcobarrito and Thai Blackened Gulf Fish. Be sure to order a cocktail from their menu curated by famed local bartender Lu Brow like a frozen Chi Chi with Pinnacle vodka and cream of coconut or an All-Weather Mojito featuring Appleton Rum and fresh fruit from the local farmers market. 70437 Hwy. 21, Covington, (985) 893-2450, bacobarnola.com Another cuppa Joe … Because there can never be enough coffee shops in the Greater New Orleans area, Cherry Espresso Bar – initially located inside Stein's Deli – now has added another location, its own digs inside an old firehouse on Laurel Street. Lauren Fink, the genius barrista/owner, features third wave coffee from RoseLine Roasters in Portland, Oregon, but also offers sips from other roasters around the country in a weekly rotation. 4877 Laurel St.,facebook.com/ cherry.espresso.bar

Uptown breakfasting … Super-hip coffeehouse HiVolt recently opened another location Uptown in the P's & Q's pie shop dubbed HiVolt Bakery. In addition to Counter Culture Coffee, owners Benji and Laura Lee have tapped baker Liz Hollinger (from their LGD location) to offer a dizzying array of baked goods for breakfast including muffins, biscuits, scones, cookies and more. Expect to find breakfast favorites from the original HiVolt like “The Ozzy” with poached eggs, greens and avocado atop quinoa and new items like “The Brekky” - an egg and cheddar buttermilk biscuit sandwich with rooster mayo. 5720 Magazine St., 324-8818, facebook.com/Hivolt2 Reaching out … The folks at French Truck have been busy little bees the past few months what with two new restaurants featuring their fabulous, fresh roast. First off, French Truck owner Geoff rey Meeker has taken over deli/convenience market The Grocery on St. Charles Avenue. Much to the appreciation of local denizens, Meeker has kept most of the menu like their pressed po-boys, with some new additions planned by general manager Aaron Hubbard. 2854 St. Charles Ave., 895-9524, facebook.com/ pressedpoboynola As if that was not enough, French Truck has also opened the French Truck Cafe on Dryades Street in the Milan neighborhood. The brightly painted blue and yellow cafe on Dryades Street offers French Truck's stellar brews (of course) plus a simple breakfast and lunch menu with dishes like a Waffle Sandwich with egg, prosciutto and goat cheese, and a Caprese Sandwich. 4536 Dryades St., facebook.com/ frenchtruckcafe Market fluctuations … The roster is always changing at the controversial St. Roch Market in the Bywater. Just recently, Chef Leo Sloan opened Good Bird, replacing the vending spot once occupied by Shank Charcuterie. The menu at Good Bird is all about free-range, vegetarian-fed, rotisserie chicken with sandwiches and salads made from their fabulous fowl. Also at the Roch, Warehouse District baker Bittersweet Confections has taken over the stall formerly manned by The Sweet Spot. Owner/confectioner Cheryl Scripter is offering both breakfast and sultry sweets at St. Roch Market with plans for ice cream and floats on the horizon. 2381 St. Claude Ave., 609-3813, strochmarket.com Mid-City merge … The seemingly eternal Italian restaurant Fellini's Cafe closed its doors recently, but fans

Japanese Restaurant, Sushi & Such Mon – Thur 11:30 am – 10 pm Fri & Sat 11:30 am – 11 pm Sun 5 – 9 pm SushiNOLA.com | @NolaSushi 899-6532| 5130 Freret St.

Revel Café & Bar's Mint Julip shouldn't fear for they can still find some of their favorites! After over 15 years of business at the N Carrollton restaurant, owners Marc and Azita Clark decided to sort of merge the two restaurants with a slow incorporation of Fellini's menu appearing at Nonna Mia on Esplanade. 3125 Esplanade Ave., 948-1717, nonnamia.net Even more in Mid-City? … Famed local bartender Chris McMillian has opened his very own digs dubbed Revel Cafe & Bar in the building that once housed Juicy Lucy on N Carrollton Avenue. Enjoy cocktails personally curated by McMillian himself and a full menu of munchies like tempura shrimp, slow-smoked pork nachos, a crawfish grilled cheese sandwich and cheese steak on a housemade sub roll. 133 N Carrollton Ave., 309-6122, facebook. com/revelcafeandbar Cajun creations … Louisiana-native Jana Billiot was recently named chef de cuisine at one of the French Quarter's fanciest spots, Restaurant R'evolution. Chefs John Folse and Rick Tramanto opened R'evolution in 2012 and Billiot was in on the action from the ground floor. R'evolution's original chef de cuisine Chris Lusk departed the restaurant after being tapped as executive chef for John Besh's relaunch of the historic Caribbean Room. Billiot plans to add her own accents to R'evolution's menu in the next few months. 777 Bienville St., (504) 553-2277, revolutionnola.com

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 35

RestaurantGuide African Bennachin is a small, but delicious restaurant with origins from Gambia and Cameroon. Each dish packs a punch of West African flavors with vegan-friendly options. 1212 Royal St., 522-1230, bennachinrestaurant.com

Cheesecake Bistro by Copeland’s offers everything from New Orleans signature dishes like Jambalaya Pasta and BBQ Shrimp Linguine to sandwiches, salads, burgers and cheesecakes! 2001 St. Charles Ave., 593-9955, copelandscheesecakebistro.com City Diner is a 24-hour landmark. Their giant pancakes, casual atmosphere and friendly service make it a great late night and early morning spot. 3116 S. I-10 Service Road East, 831-1030, citydiner.biz The Columns Hotel is all about location. This New Orleans hotel sits right off the St. Charles streetcar line providing food with a view. 3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308, thecolumns.com Copeland’s of New Orleans combines New Orleans flavor and comfort in a casual dining atmosphere, featuring from-scratch cuisine made with fresh premium ingredients. Multiple Locations, copelandsofneworleans.com Daisy Dukes has a variety of fundamental New Orleans dishes 24/7. Enjoy their awardwinning bottomless Cajun Bloody Marys and fried delicacies at any hour. French Quarter, CBD, Metairie daisydukesrestaurant.com Dat Dog features a variety of gourmet hot dogs and sausages and a full bar with quality draft

Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant in the beautiful Gretna Historical District has provided great food and friendly service to the Westbank for over a decade. 435 Huey P Long Ave., Gretna, 3681114, gattusos.net Gordon Biersch knows a thing or two about good beer. The pub-style restaurant brews their own award-winning beers to complement gourmet bar snacks, seafood and more. 200 Poydras St., 522-2739, gordonbiersch. com

Ma Momma’s House of Cornbread, Chicken and Waﬄes is southern hospitality at its finest. Their special cornbread recipe always brings customers coming back for more. 5741 Crowder Blvd., 244-0021, mamommashouse.com Orleans Grapevine offers a casual fine-dining experience with a romantic courtyard and extensive wine list. Enjoy free bacon with drinks during their Bacon Happy Hour! 720 Orleans Ave., 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com Phil’s Grill is a family-owned burger joint voted Best Burger seven consecutive years by Where Y’at readers. Order the “Adult Shake” to perfectly complement any burger. Multiple Locations, philsgrill.com

june 11-12

10am-4pm

36 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Sun Ray Grill provides coastal cuisine infused with global flavors. Expect seasonal variation since Chef Tom Hinyup only uses the freshest seafood available. 2600 Belle Chasse Hwy, Gretna, 3910053, sunraygrill.com

Five H ap p

Lakeview Burgers & Seafood is a familyowned and operated restaurant offering a wide variety of New Orleans specialties from seafood to burgers late into the night. 872 Harrison Ave., 289-1032

2016 French Market

Spudly’s Super Spuds lives up to their slogan, “A meal in a baked potato,” but they also offer potato alternatives including gourmet burgers, soups and salads. 2609 Harvard Ave., 455-3250, spudlys.com

Warehouse Grille delivers fantastic food in a relaxed setting. They add a Cajun twist to brunch favorites paired with house-made beer syrup and bottomless mimosas. 869 Magazine St., 322-2188, warehousegrille.com

e ss in

American

beers and hard milkshakes to complement any dog. Multiple Locations, datdognola.com

Willie Mae’s Scotch House has been serving legendary fried chicken in New Orleans since 1957. This Tremé institution now taken Uptown does southern fare the right way. Multiple Locations, williemaesnola.com

in Elmwood. Though the restaurant is relatively small, its big-enough-to-split sushi rolls make up for it. 5608 Citrus Blvd., Harahan, 818-0228 Miyako offers a cooking show right at your table with hibachi dining and specialty meals that provide enough food for a large group. 1403 St. Charles Ave., 410-9997, japanesebistro.com Origami’s knowledgeable sushi chefs whip up quality sushi and delicious cooked dishes, in addition to lunch specials, patio dining and an extensive sake list. 5130 Freret St., 899-6532, sushinola.com Viet Orleans Bistro offers delicious Vietnamese dishes and fresh sushi. Their many varieties of pho and large portions make it a CBD staple. 300 Baronne St., 333-6917

Bars with Great Food Backspace Bar & Kitchen is a trend spot for late night cocktails and snacks. The drinks pay tribute to famous New Orleanian literary figures and its décor references the 1920s. 139 Chartres St., 322-2245, backspacenola.com

Wow Cafe Tulane Avenue takes pride in their fantastic wings and cold beer, with a great new Mid-City location to watch games and enjoy top-notch burgers. 2220 Tulane Ave. 309-9015, wowcafego.com

Bombay Club has fantastic martinis in a romantic setting with nightly live music. Chef Nathan Richard’s menu is influenced by both British and Cajun cuisine. 830 Conti St., 577-2237, bombayclubneworleans.com

Asian

Bruno’s Tavern is an Uptown college sports bar serving delicious pub fare. Their great student specials include half off food on Wednesdays and $2 Tuesdays. 7538 Maple St., 861-7615, brunostavern.com

^^Five Happiness has been a New Orleans staple for 30 years, voted “Best Chinese” by Where Y’at readers for their delicious and affordable food. 3605 S Carrollton Ave., 482-3935, ﬁvehappiness.com Kyoto boasts creative takes on sushi rolls, like the Funky Margarita Roll and barbeque squid. Their fresh sushi and expert chefs never fail to delight. 4920 Prytania St., 891-3644, kyotonola.com Kyoto 2 is tucked behind the AMC Movie Theater

Buﬀa’s Bar and Restaurant has been outside the Quarter since 1939. Open 24/7, the backroom is great for brunch on Sunday and nightly live music. 1001 Esplanade Ave., 949-0038, buﬀasbar. com Ernst Café has been locally owned and operated for over 100 years. Don’t miss the delicious New

Orleans-inspired bar food and great specialty drinks. 600 S Peters St., 525-8544, ernstcafe.net The Jimani has been the late-night haunt for food, cocktails and sports since 1971. This relaxed atmosphere brings together locals and tourists. 141 Chartres St., 524-0493, thejimani.com Mid-City Yacht Club boasts one of the best Bloody Marys in town and has crawfish boils every Friday starting at 4 p.m. 440 S St. Patrick St., 4832517, midcityyachtclub.com Mimi’s in the Marigny is a locals’ bar with a self-proclaimed “house party vibe,” cocktails at any hour and classy dishes with affordable prices. 2601 Royal St., 872-9868, mimismarigny.com

Taps Patio Bar and Grill complements their extensive drink menu with delicious pub grub from Taps’ wings and bar snacks to burgers and sandwiches. 2802 Belle Chasse Hwy., 510-5544, tapspatiobar.com Tchoupitoulas Beer Garden has all the essentials of a German-style brewery: great beer, delicious food and community tables plus games and a large projection screen. 840 Tchoupitoulas St. #103, 224-2889, tbgnola.com

Tracey's Irish Bar and Restaurant

Rebellion Bar and Urban Kitchen is a Gastropub with emphasis on Asian, Latin and southern flavors. The bar focuses on craft beer and Japanese whisky. 748 Camp St., 298-7317, rebellionbarurbankitchen.com Rivershack Tavern is known as New Orleans’ most unusual bar: home of the tacky ashtray and handmade barstools with live music and biweekly crawfish boils. 3449 River Road, 834-4938, therivershacktavern.com Shamrock Bar and Grill is the largest neighborhood bar in the city with a great menu and activities like pool, bowling and beer pong. 4133 S Carrollton Ave., 301-0938, shamrockparty. com

Café Amelie is a rare gem of superb Louisiana fare, nestled in the historic 150-year-old Princess of Monaco Courtyard and Carriage House on Royal Street. 912 Royal St., 412-8965, cafeamelie.com Café Degas is the oldest Gallic restaurant in Nola, inspired by bistros found along the French Marne River. Its authentic French cuisine has quite a cult following. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 945-5635, cafedegas.com Café Reconcile is a non-profit restaurant that offers workforce development and training for at-risk New Orleans youth, serving soul food respective of the city’s culinary tradition. 1631 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., 568-1157, cafereconcile.org

Parasol’s is a long-time Irish Channel casual hangout with stiff drinks, sports on TV, po-boys and other Cajun eats. Stop by for St. Patrick’s Day fun. 2533 Constance St., 302-1543 Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar is the ultimate spot for watching sports with 21 televisions, 20 beers on tap, frozen daiquiris and great food. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl., 247-9265, poppystimeoutsportsbar.com

delicious waﬄe. 4337 Banks St., 273-4600, biscuitsandbunsonbanks.com

^^Tracey’s Irish Bar and Restaurant was the original Irish Channel Bar, home to great roast beef po-boys, raw oysters and many other tasty items. 2604 Magazine St., 897-5413, traceysnola. com Wit’s Inn is a Mid-City bar with 15 flat screens and gourmet pizzas served till 2 a.m. On Thursdays, those pizzas are just $5! 141 N Carrollton Ave., 486-1600, witsinn.com

Café Another Broken Egg Café offers some of the freshest breakfast and brunch in the city. Stop by their locations on Magazine and in Lake View. Uptown, Lakeview, 301-2771, anotherbrokenegg. com Biscuits & Buns on Banks is a darling spot for breakfast and lunch in Mid-City. Their BlueberryBrie Waﬄe has been named Louisiana’s most

Café Carmo takes inspiration from the Caribbean, West Africa, South and Central America. Certified by local and national conservation organizations, it takes pride in being environmentally conscious. 527 Julia St., 875-4132, cafecarmo.com Jimmy J’s Café is a funky breakfast and lunch spot with a colorful, lively atmosphere. Breakfast is served all day, including their delicious Bacon Bloody Mary. 115 Charters St., 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com Lakeview Brew is a cozy neighborhood café serving homemade pastries, desserts and breakfast alongside gourmet coffee and tea. They also offer lunch and dinner menus. 5606 Canal Blvd., 483-7001, lakeviewbrew.com Maple Street Patisserie taps into the simplicity of European baking. Now with two locations on Magazine and Maple, Chef Ziggy offers up delicious pastries, breads and sandwiches. Multiple Locations, maplestreetpatisserie.com Riccibono’s Panola Street Café is the quintessential neighborhood brunch spot.

From Crab Cakes Benedict to grits, they do New Orleans food right. 7801 Panola St., 314-1810, panolastreetcafe.com

Italian Dolce Vita Pizzeria is famous for its wood-fired pizzas named after different Italian cities and their handmade pasta, presented in a family-friendly, casual atmosphere. 1205 Saint Charles Ave., 3247674, dvpizzeria.com Mandina’s Restaurant opened in 1932 by Italian immigrant Sebastian Mandina. The menu features delicious home-style cooking, including Italian-Creole specialties like the Crab Fingers in Wine Sauce. Multiple Locations, mandinasrestaurant.com Mellow Mushroom is rumored to bake up some of the best pizza in the South. The small chain offers specialty pies, calzones, hoagies and a bar. 8227 Oak St., 345-8229, mellowmushroom.com/ store/oak-street-nola Pascal’s Manale is a 100 year-old Creole-Italian tradition with the best oyster bar around. Pascal’s created the original barbecue shrimp, simmered in-shell in a blend of Creole seasonings. 1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877, pascalsmanale.com Red Gravy was ranked in Open Table’s Top 100 Brunch Restaurant in America; and no wonder, with fare like Cannoli pancakes and Sicilian egg pies. 125 Camp St., 561-8844, redgravycafe.com Venezia has cooked delightful Italian cuisine in Mid-City since 1957. You can’t go wrong with their classic and praised pizzas or expertly cooked veal. 134 N Carrollton Ave., 488-7991, venezianeworleans.com Wood Pizza features handmade, thin-crusted wood-fired pizzas. They also have over 40 beers on tap, many from local breweries, and a great backyard patio. 404 Andrew Higgins Drive, 2814893, woodpizzaneworleans.com

Celebrate French Quarter Fest with a Pickled Vodka Blooy Mary

Enjoy Breakfast All Day

801 decatur • 504.525.4478 WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 37

Mexican Caretta’s Grill serves up Tex-Mex in locations all over Nola. Their margaritas and Très Leches Cake are to die for. Multiple Locations, carretasgrillrestaurant.com Izzo’s Illegal Burrito makes burritos so tasty they’re almost criminal. The menu is inspired by co-founder Ozzie Fernandez’s memories of his mother’s traditional Mexican cooking Elda. Multiple Locations, izzos.com

Middle Eastern Lebanon’s Café has earned a solid reputation in New Orleans. It’s BYOB, so bring your favorite drink to pair with their phenomenal kabobs and hummus. 1500 S Carrollton Ave. 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com Mona’s Café boasts traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. The Banks Street location has an international market inside. Mona’s also goes for a BYOB attitude, so take advantage. Multiple Locations, monascafeanddeli.com >>Pyramids Café is great for students on a budget. Pyramids has affordable and flavorful options for under $10 and is located just behind Tulane and Loyola’s campuses. 3149 Calhoun St., 861-9602, pyramidscafeneworleans.com

New Orleans Cuisine

Café Maspero is a historic French Quarter landmark, serving New Orleans Cajun and Creole classics since 1971. Check out their $1 strawberry daiquiris and enormous muffalettas. 601 Decatur St., 523-6250, cafemaspero.com Crescent City Brewhouse, the city’s first brewpub, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. It’s located on a historical French Quarter property included in the earliest known city plan. 527 Decatur St., 522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com EAT cooks traditional southern dishes with local seafood and seasonal produce. They also stay loyal to the local economy by displaying artwork of Nola artists. 900 Dumaine St., 522-7222, eatnola. com Frankie and Johnny’s has been a New Orleans tradition since 1942. Today the restaurant retains its friendly spirit and commitment to fresh and delicious seafood. 321 Arabella St., 243-1234, frankieandjohnnys.net House of Blues surprisingly serves superb New Orleans cuisine in addition to its live music. For a five-star meal, book a reservation in the exclusive Foundation Room. 225 Decatur Street, 310-4999, houseofblues.com Kingﬁsh, which is named for Huey P. Long, is a cocktail restaurant/gourmet kitchen that has an elegant atmosphere and Cajun favorites. Both their seafood and their beer are local. 337

Antoine’s Restaurant has been a French Quarter fixture for 175 years and is worldrenowned for creating Oysters Rockefeller. Head over for their 25 cent martinis during lunch. 713 Saint Louis St., 581-4422, antoines.com Café 615 Home of Da Wabbit is a taste to be reckoned with. This Westbank favorite offers classics and their namesake Da Wabbit burgers. 615 Kepler St., Gretna, 465-1225, dawabbit.net

Chartres St., 598-5005, kingﬁshneworleans.com Langlois Is a supper club with a Creole twist, named after the mother of Creole cuisine Madame Langlois. They even offer interactive dining demonstrations. 1710 Pauger St., 934-1010 langloisnola.com Monty’s on the Square creates modern French-Creole food on the corner of historic Jackson Square. Enjoy your meal while admiring a picturesque view. 801 Decatur St., 525-4478 New Orleans Cooking Experience offers everything from weekend cooking getaways to half-day classes, with expert chefs sharing the secrets of classic Creole cuisine. 1519 Carondelet St., 430 5274, thenoce.com

Crazy Lobster Bar and Grill out on the banks of the Mississippi combines live music, fresh seafood buckets and great views of the city. 500 Port of New Orleans Place, 569-3380, thecrazylobster.com Desire combines Old World French Quarter charm with modern design elements. Desire’s award-winning gumbo and the new crawfish cheesecake are worth braving Bourbon Street for. 300 Bourbon St., 586-0300, sonesta.com

Poseidon

New Orleans Creole Cookery boasts traditional Louisiana dishes, including Shrimp Creole and gumbo three different ways. It’s even haunted by a ghost named Mary. 508 Toulouse St., 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com Praline Connection serves authentic Cajuncreole cuisine at affordable prices. Their famous traditionally made pralines are also a smash-hit, making them a French Quarter destination. 542 Frenchman St., 943-3934, pralineconnection.com Short Stop Poboys has the best po-boys in Metairie. You can choose from three sizes of sandwich and everything from tuna salad to fried oysters. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, 8854572, shortstoppoboysno.com Vacherie is the home of authentic Cajun food. Choose from their elegant restaurant, bar or for a more casual dining experience, the adjacent Vacherie Cafe. 827 Toulouse St., 207-4532, vacherierestaurant.com

Seafood Pyramids Café

shucked oysters are delicious whether chargrilled, fried or on the half shell. Multiple Locations, acmeoyster.com

Acme Oyster House has been a New Orleans staple since its opening in 1910. Their fresh, hand-

^^Poseidon has everything from Creole-style oysters to fresh sushi. They also cook sustainably by donating proceeds to ocean conservancy and advocacy programs. 2100 Saint Charles Ave., 5096675, poseidonnola.com Royal House Oyster Bar is one of New Orleans’ most exemplary oyster spots. Sit on the balcony and enjoy the bustle of the French Quarter. 441 Royal St. 528-2601 royalhouserestaurant.com

Vegan Seed is a vegan oasis in a city oversaturated with rich southern cuisine. The menu is garden-based with a New Orleans taste and uses environmentfriendly ingredients. 1330 Prytania St., 302-2599, seedyourhealth.com

Featuring a great bistro menu.

Serving From the Best View of St. Charles Avenue on Easter Brunch & Mothers Day Brunch!

Our guest chefs include Aaron Burgau (Patois), Michael Doyle (Maurepas), Alex Harrell (Angeline), Cristina Quackenbush (Milkﬁsh) and more.

Sunday brunch 11am-3pm, Bistro everyday till 10pm & call to nd out about our new lunch hours. Variety of nightly musical entertainment to compliment cocktails.

1519 Robert C. Blakes (formerly Carondelet St.)

504-430-5274 www.thenoce.com

Don’t Miss Jazz Fest with 40% Increased Distribution! Weekend 1 Deadline: April 5 Street Date: April 10 Weekend 2 Deadline: April 20 Street Date: April 24

• Call 504-891-0144 to advertise! •

38 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 39

Going The Distance Training for a Half Ironman

By Celeste Turner

or the average person, achieving 10,000 steps in a day is an accomplishment, but for two local triathletes, completing a total distance of 70.3 miles under six hours in the upcoming Oschner 70.3 Half Ironman Triathlon is the ultimate goal. “The Half Ironman consists of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run,” Rebecca King, 35-year-old professional coach and swimming instructor at the UNO Lakefront Arena and East Jefferson Wellness Center, said. “I train mostly higher quantity workouts, meaning distance, due to the effort required to finish this exhausting race. It takes countless hours of training to condition the body to endure these extreme competitions.” As a trainer and a motivator, King realizes the commitment involved in this type of endurance event. “Training for all three sports can be complicated when you factor in work schedule and weather conditions,” King admitted. “I know the work that needs to be done. I have always tried to beat my previous race time and never give up!” The challenge of juggling the work schedule and the workouts is also tough for Joshua Heigle, a 28-year-old nurse and new member of the Black and Gold Tri Team. “My training plan is designed to fit my life’s schedule... Between working 48-64 hours a week at my job, a newborn baby and the rest of my family’s needs, balancing a strict training plan takes on its own art form.”

For Heigle, his morning routine during the week consists of swimming or running before work, so the evenings can be spent with his family on his non-cycling days. “I also try to include my family in my workouts. The kids love to ride their bikes while I run. Even my two-year-old son loves his seat on the back of my mountain bike when I do a low-intensity ride once a week,” Heigle, who has lost 51 pounds since he started training and finished his first triathlon in May 2015, said. “Since I started my Ironman journey, I have gone from weighing 236 pounds down to 185 pounds in less than a year,” Heigle said. “I use my training as a relief from the negativities that life brings sometimes.” Heigle attributes his healthy weight loss during this past year to the combination of intensive training and a proper diet. Initially, he used the My Fitness Pal app to track his caloric intake and incorporated more fruits and vegetables in his daily meals. Now, he periodically meets with a dietician for minor adjustments with nutrition and calorie requirements. “I aim to take in 10-20 grams of protein directly after each workout,” Heigle said in regards to his current training regimen.

Between working 48-64 hours a week at my job, a newborn baby and the rest of my family’s needs, balancing a strict training plan takes on its own art form.

40 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

“Now that the volumes and intensities are much higher, I focus more on taking in calories during workouts, primarily carbohydrates. I went from a habit of skipping breakfast every morning to craving between 800-1000 calories before 10 a.m.” In addition to the importance of dieting and nutrition while training for the Half Ironman, athletes must be careful about overtraining and the increased risk of injury with the extensive workouts. “I like variety,” King, who primarily swims on her own, and trains on the bike or runs with her group, BNG Tri Team, said. “Change has worked for me and made me very successful in completing many half and full Ironman Triathlons.” King has been a dedicated swimmer and highly-accomplished athlete competing in the water for most of her life, which began when she was 4-years-old as a summer league swimmer with the Cut Off Youth Center Hurricanes Swim Club. “When I was 4-years-old, I was diagnosed with severe dyslexia,” King said. “So, my mother signed me up for swim lessons where I found something I could focus on… I loved the water!” Gifted with skill and confidence, King, throughout her younger competitive years, successfully finished thousands of swim meets, leading up to the national level. In more recent years, she has completed seven Olympic distance, fi ve 140.6 Ironman Triathlons, 15 70.3 Ironman Triathlons, over 15 marathons, more than 20 half-marathons and fi ve ultra-marathons. “I feel like I was born an athlete,” King said. “This amazing life started as a timid, fragile 4-year-old, but as I got older,

I knew my home was in the pool and then, I went to the streets biking and running for hours.” King stated that she feels fortunate since she only endured two reconstructive shoulder surgeries at an early age of 14 and 21-years-old. “With proper therapy and training smart,” King advised, “also, moderation, listening to your body and cross-training, I have been able to continue competing and enjoying the risky ride of being an endurance athlete. We all know that running has the highest impact out of the three sports. This is where the days of quality training come into play.” Most triathletes competing in the Oschner 70.3 Ironman Triathlon scheduled for April 17 are approximately six months into their training regimen. “There is a culture of

endurance athletes,” Bill Burke, President of Premier Event Management and Race Director for the eighth annual 70.3 Oschner Ironman, said. “They started registering in September 2015 for this event and have already been training. This is a physical, mental and financial commitment. These athletes plan their entire vacations around the event and they bring their families, friends and support teams to do something like this. No doubt, New Orleans is one of the best stops on the circuit.” The Ironman 70.3 series of races culminates each year with the World Championship for the sport of Ironman. Burke indicated that the Oschner event will draw more than 2,000 athletes from 47 states and 33 countries and offer a prize purse of $30,000. The competition begins at Southshore Harbor with the 1.2 mile swim, followed by the 56 mile bike ride along Chef Menteur Highway heading toward Venetian Isle, and finishing with the 13.1 mile run along the lakefront ending up back at Southshore Harbor. For the 70.3 Ironman, Heigle hopes to finish the race under six hours, anticipating three hours for the bike ride, two hours for the run and less than one hour for the swim segment, including the transitions between each mode of activity. “This is pretty intense,“ Heigle said, after working a night shift on Saturday, then fitting in a 9.1 mile run and nap on Sunday before returning to work. “Today was supposed to be a 14 mile run but I could only do 9.1 miles after work. You give up a lot of sleep for the training, but my main driving force is the ability to do something positive that most people view as insane."

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 41

FilmReviews

Catch Where Y'at Movie Editor David Vicari and critic Fritz Esker's “Dueling Critics” blog at WhereYat.com.

Zootopia By Fritz Esker Disney’s Zootopia is a family film in the truest sense of the term. Everyone ranging from small children to adolescents to senior citizens should find something to enjoy in this comic animated detective story. The film is set in a land where predators and prey have put aside their natural instincts and live together in a city with multiple subdivisions (a tundra, a rainforest, a tiny neighborhood for mice). Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) is the first bunny to join the Zootopia police force, which is dominated by lions, bears, rhinos and more fearsome animals. When a group of predators go missing, Hopps defies her condescending boss (Idris Elba) and investigates with the help of a con artist fox (Jason Bateman). The movie’s message about tolerance and inclusion is a worthy one for any child to learn. But messages are useless in films without an entertaining story attached, and Zootopia’s is a lot of fun. It’s reminiscent of the 1988 classic Who Framed Roger Rabbit? in the way in which it merges kid-friendly laughs with a genuinely engrossing detective story. The chase scenes are exciting and the evolving relationship between Goodwin and Bateman’s characters is touching without being sappy. Movies like Zootopia are the reason why Disney has dominated the family market for so long. Even adults without children should enjoy this one.

10 Cloverﬁeld Lane By David Vicari

APPAREL ACCESSORIES

3536 Toulous Toulouse se St. St Bayou St. John / Mid City nolatilyadie.com

#nolatilyadie 42 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

I remember, in my youth, going to see the movie, The 'Burbs starring Tom Hanks. The plot has a suburbanite (Hanks) attempting to reveal that the creepy new neighbors are a family of cannibals. Laughs were light, but what bothered me most is that the film never successfully kept you guessing and held no real surprises. Needless to say, I was disappointed. The Louisiana-shot thriller, 10 Cloverfield Lane, does keep you guessing and has some third act surprises. This distant relative of 2008's found footage monster movie Cloverfield begins with Michelle (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) escaping from a soured relationship. She gets into a car wreck then wakes up chained to a wall with an IV in her arm. Enter Howard (John Goodman), who tells Michelle that he saved her from the wreck just before an “attack” on American soil, and that she is now safe in his bunker and must stay there until the fallout subsides, which may take a few years. Another “survivor” in the bunker with them is Emmett (John Gallagher Jr.), a young man who Michelle confides in. She doesn't trust Howard and wants to find out what is really going on outside. Superb performances anchor director Dan Trachtenberg's debut feature. Goodman's nuanced performance has you swaying back and forth wondering if Howard is a raging psychopath or just a rather eccentric survivalist, and Winstead instills a smart and scrappy heroine that we want to root for. The screenplay, credited to Josh Campbell & Matthew Stuecken and Whiplash writer/director Damien Chazelle, relies on a surprising amount of restraint, as it doesn't give away too much until its insane final act. Complimenting the suspense is a driving, full-blooded music score by Bear McCreary. I wish more horror and science fiction films of late would practice restraint instead of blowing their load and explaining everything away in the first few minutes. Mystery is good. Watching a movie and trying to figure it out along with the protagonist is fun. 10 Cloverfield Lane is a smart, suspenseful thriller that holds some crazy yet effective surprises.

BarGuide Backspace Bar & Kitchen 139 Chartres St. 322-2281

This literary-themed restaurant has unique cocktails and late-night comfort food. Where else can you get milk and cookies for dessert?

Bar Tonique 820 N Rampart St. 324-6045

Known for its eclectic beer and wine selection, this neighborhood bar is the perfect spot for cocktail hipsters.

Bruno's Tavern 7538 Maple St. 861-7615

A favorite for Uptowners, this is the place to be for an LSU or Saints game. Come in on Thursdays nights for $3 imports!

Buffa’s Bar & Restaurant 1001 Esplanade Ave. 949-0038

Highlighted in Esquire as one of the “Best Bars in America,” comfort foods and signature drinks will keep you coming back.

Cosimo's 1201 Burgundy St. 522-9715

A homey neighborhood hangout off the French Quarter's beaten path serving up a signature twist on the Bloody Mary—the Bloody Ugly.

Coyote Ugly 225 N Peters St. 561-0003

Their Daily Drink Specials from 9 p.m. to close will remind you why this is the most famous bar on the planet.

Evangeline 329 Decatur St. 373-4852

A full menu of local food and microbrews makes this the perfect place for people looking for some homegrown fare.

Gattuso’s 435 Huey P Long Ave. 368-1114

Head to the Best Bank, the Westbank, for live music, casual lunches and delicious dinner and Happy Hour specials.

Hermes Bar at Antoine's 725 Rue St. Louis 581-4422

Experience that classic-style New Orleans flair alongside some delicious eats and classic cocktails at one of the city’s best restaurants.

Kajun's Pub 2256 St. Claude Ave. 947-3735

Karaoke and Saints games are highlights at this 24hour bar. Jello shots are free every time the Saints score a touchdown!

Kerry Irish Pub 331 Decatur St. 527-5954

Get all your live Irish music needs covered here. Enjoy an Irish coffee alongside their folk, jazz or blues acts.

The Metropolitan 310 Andrew Higgins Dr. 568-1702

A warehouse-turned-nightclub that has the best DJs around. Features all types of music from house to hip-hop to rock.

Mid-City Yacht Club 440 S St. Patrick St. 483-2517

Repeatedly ranked as Mid-City’s best bar, their fantastic beer selection starts at $2 and the food is out of this world.

Pal's Lounge 949 N Rendon St. 488-7257

This hidden gem in Mid-City is filled with great drinks and lively locals. Come for Sunday Funday or try the Bacon Bloody Mary.

Parlay's 870 Harrison Ave. 304-6338

This Lakeview favorite is known for their great nightly drink specials. Meet up with some friends there tonight.

Pat O’Briens 718 St. Peter St. 525-4823

Visit the birthplace of New Orleans’ most famous drink, the Hurricane. A local favorite since 1933, this historic pub is renowned for its piano bar.

Rick’s Cabaret 315 Bourbon St. 524-4222

Enjoy a cocktail on the Bourbon Street balcony or on one of their three floors...or enjoy the sights indoors. The epitome of New Orleans’ nightlife.

Rivershack Tavern 3449 River Rd. 834-4938

One of the city’s quirkiest bars, come on by for some great live music and tasty eats. Bring in a tacky ashtray for a free drink!

Shamrock Bar & Grille 4133 S Carrollton Ave. 307-4350

Schedule your next party here or watch some crazy wrestling matches. Between live music and pool tables, there’s plenty to do.

Shots! 315 Bourbon St. 524-4222

Shots! is a beautiful bar that features specialty infussions by the shot...a must try the next time you are down on Bourbon Street.

Taps Patio Bar & Grill 2802 Belle Chase Hwy. 504-510-5544

Taps is your Westbank go-to with 24 beers on tap and $2 weekly draft specials. Enjoy a happy hour Tuesday through Friday featuring half-off appetizers.

Tracey’s 2604 Magazine St. 897-5413

The original Irish Channel bar, offers beers and food in a low-key setting. Happy Hour on weekdays from 4 to 7!

Tropical Isle Original 721 Bourbon St. 529-4109

Home of the Hand Grenade, this bar rocks a weekday Happy Hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Come to this or any of their five locations for great live music.

Warehouse Grille 869 Magazine St. 322-2188

A perfect centerpiece for the Warehouse District’s funky atmosphere. With over 40 beers on tap, there’s something for everyone here!

April 16

6pm to 10pm

SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB

TICKETS:

$50/person $600/table of 8

Live Music by Refried Confusion and Gosling Rum SILENT & LIVE AUCTION! presented by IBERIABANK, Jack Henry & Associates and Harland Clarke TO RSVP, REGISTER OR PURCHASE TICKETS: www.leukemiacup.org/msla ACME OYSTER HOUSE • GALATOIRE’S • CUSTOM CATERING • CENTER PLATE JACQUES I-MOS • SPORTS BEAT • CREOLE CUISINE • BARRECA’S • DEANIE’S BLUE RUNNER • CHAP’S CHICKEN • COURT OF TWO SISTERS • THE BLUE CRAB • ZEA’S PARKWAY BAKERY • KIWANIS • BON TON • MR. MUDBUGS • MELLOW MUSHROOM WHOLE FOOD MARKET • MK PRALINES • NOTHING BUNDT CAKES

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 43

TalesFromTheQuarter

By Debbie Lindsay

The Night I Rode The Sexy Beast

t began like any unpredictable New Orleans evening. The range of our random stardom led us out of our more familiar environs. Boyfriend and I were to read, sign and sip wine at Octavia Books as part of the statewide book signing of Louisiana In Words. Never having been published in a format requiring a purchase we were feeling kinda hot, kinda literary. Okay sure, there were 110 other writers published in this $19.95 paperback, but hey, the book was getting lots of local press and our fearless leader and editor, Josh Clark, could really work a crowd. Near the end of our soirée, I was pretty pleased with myself–the reading I had dreaded with wallflower reticence went smoothly with no embarrassing faux pas, passing gas, or biting my tongue and bleeding out. Boyfriend, on the other hand, rarely suffers a “case of the nerves” and read beautifully without incident. With the wine running dangerously low and our reputations still intact, it was time to beg a ride back to the Quarter. We volunteered our editor extraordinaire to be our chauffeur. He said sure, but we’d have to climb in through the windows. That didn’t sound odd to me—having once been pushed home in a grocery cart. Delightfully distracted from our soirée, I followed Boyfriend and Josh to the street; then my distraction changed to…whoa! There before us was the Sexy Beast. I had never seen it outside the Quarter, and then only parked; yet how could something so

Po-BoyViews

By Phil LaMancusa

Baseball Preview Or Diamond Jubilee

k we’re imagining the culmination of this year’s baseball season. Baseball: described by Brazilian friends as the “hit boll with stick--- run around in circle” game that is near and dear to the heart of any red-blooded American who believes in apple pie, Mom, the NRA and people pulling themselves up by their bootstraps (even those with no boots). Picture, here we’re at the World Serious--game seven-- each team has won three; this one’s for the whole enchilada. The Chicano Red Sox are playing the New York Wankers for the title, ‘World-Chumpions’. It’s a cool, clear day in the Wankers’ stadium, the fans sit half-dozing in their seats, women in tight dresses and men with powerful thirsts and a taste for tubes of mystery meat wrapped in bread garnished with a spiced yellow substance which we thought was mustard, but wa snot (pun intended). The score tied at nothing to zero, bottom of the ninth and if this game goes into extra innings the crowd will surely riot. To pay good money for additional boredom is close enough to criminal to warrant major insurrection. The air smells of stale beer, cooked swine, suntan oil and pot. Runners at first and third; this year for the first time each team has brought picnic lunches and barbecue grills. The Wankers are holding their annual carwash in center field complete with babes in bikinis. The Sox not to be outdone are passing around shots of tequila and funny cigarettes. Up at bat is the Wankers’ Lefty Miller who is batting right-

44 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

obviously meant to roam be corralled? How could one confine such a spirit? Face to face with it, I realized the Beast was no kid–it was an ’86 Chevy Monte Carlo Super Sport. And just like some tough guy rendered toothless from one brawl too many, the Beast had two gaping spaces on either side of its T-top. In a junkyard somewhere, the missing panels were laid to rest like the tusks of fallen elephants – except this Beast was far from fallen – you could sense this. The Chevy’s body was gussied-up with enameled flames and its name, Sexy Beast, painted bold and large for all the world to see. Where was the driver, the owner, the trainer of this Beast? For years I’d seen the Beast and wondered who belonged to it. Some 20-something drenched in tattoos, flesh pierced with more metal than the Beast? Perhaps an ex-con scarred from too many years in the Big House whose trust would never go beyond his car? Or, a 21st-century cowboy with Hank Williams serenading from the radio, man and beast cruising the lonely flatlands of the city, an unfiltered smoke dangling from the cowboy’s lips and time on his hands. “What are you two doing?” I couldn’t believe my eyes. Boyfriend was disappearing into the Beast and Josh, already swallowed, was in the driver’s seat. Well, hot damn! This was bigger than discovering the guy behind Spider-Man, the man inside the Santa suit, the Rove behind the Bush. The master of the Beast had been there all along. So, after much flailing, twisting and twirling, I climbed inside the Beast via the hole in the roof. Taking off we were warned that we might run out of gas (broken gas gauge), no worries, there’s a gas can, should have some gasoline. He asked if he was going too fast for our taste because he could slow down – the speedometer no longer worked, but rest assured the brakes did. But do fasten your seatbelts. We were encouraged to please help with hand gestures, fullthroated honks and eagle eye glances out the passenger windows

(“Careful, the seats are loose”). Apparently, the turn signals, rear view mirror and horn were all retired. Remember those desperate over-sexed high school dates with get-to-ﬁrst-base maneuvers? You know, the classic “Oops, we’re out of gas here in the middle of nowhere—don’t be scared come a little closer”. Well, I’d always hoped for that date but my sweet nerds always picked me up in a just-washed-n-waxed car, gas tank full. I even once surreptitiously siphoned the gasoline from Dependable Date’s car as he waited patiently for my return from the powder room—he called AAA. So, as forewarned, we ran out of gas. Had poor Josh waited for this moment to happen with a willing damsel in tow? If so, all he got were two middle-aged goons, a romantic view of the nursing home at Jefferson and Magazine and the only thing getting “a little bit” was a determined mosquito. The emergency gas can yielded enough fuel to transport us to the Exxon at Lee Circle. Pulling into the station, I felt certain the cops would swarm us. They must’ve seen us flying through the night. But Josh had learned long ago how to rein in the Beast with or without a speedometer. As he climbed out and began feeding the Beast, a quite inebriated crackhead, short in stature, short on teeth, came over and stood next to my car door. Maybe it was the booze or the rock; perhaps the moonlight or the neon—or did he too fall under the spell of the Sexy Beast? Regardless, the ever-swaying little man began professing adoration for me and my hair. Even went so far as to tell Josh and Boyfriend, “Man she’s beauuuuutifuuuul”. This went on for several minutes. I knew it was true infatuation -- he never once asked for money or cigarettes. As we drove away, he was still declaring his devotions. And they say a good man is hard to find. That road trip home was a mere 20 minutes, yet I’ll always remember it as the night I rode the Sexy Beast, dizzy with the sense of trespassing. The Beast made me an outlaw and every mile an adventure. I felt certain that if there were a rearview mirror it would reflect a young girl – giddy and brazen.

handed since being hit by a fly ball in the sixth inning while waving at the crowd and still making a spectacular catch with his cap. He eyes the pitcher, warily sensing a real showdown. The pitcher Willie Mantle is sending a Twitter from the mound while the catcher tries to text him to call for Willie to throw his famous 20-second ‘Slinky’ slow ball which is usually swung at unsuccessfully three times before passing the plate, effectively banishing another batter to the dugout bullpen, sad walkin’ and slow singin’. Lefty steps up to the plate, swings a few times for practice, spits, grabs his crotch and hits his shoe with the bat before crossing himself and looking up to heaven for the Lord’s sanction. Willie grabs his crotch and spits, looking to the first baseman who spits and then grabs his crotch, the runner on first spits twice and grabs his crotch with both hands; soon both teams are spitting and grabbing crotches (theirs and those of their teammates); the umpires call a time out to gather and lecture both team’s crotches… er….coaches who are eating sunflower seeds and spitting the seeds out and scratching the backs of their necks. Soon the umpires are scratching their necks and chewing tobacco because they don’t have any sunflower seeds, but still feel the need to spit something to stay part of the game in solidarity. The play continues and the ball is thrown. Swung on and missed, strike one; a snore goes up from the crowd. The catcher returns the ball and Willie throws again. Close and inside, and Lefty puts one high on the outside over right field, the right fielder picks the ball on the bounce, stops to take a selfie, throws to home and the runner is picked off at the plate after a 20-yard slide, the call is ‘out’ and the score remains tied, nada nada. After snuﬃng out the runner from third, the catcher tweets his prowess to the multitude of his followers. Lefty holds on at first and Instagrams his arrival with a pose with the first base coach who grabs his crotch, slaps him on the ass and high fives are passed

around. The score is still zip to zilch at the top of the ninth with runners on first and second, two outs and up to the plate comes Pee Wee Romano, the Wankers’ short stop, who walks to the plate, slips under the ump’s arm and steps on the catchers' foot. He swings two bats and throws one over his shoulder, hisses under his breath and shoots a dirty look at the pitcher who is on his cell phone and with his back turned tosses the ball which Pee Wee bunts, slides to first, trips the first baseman and the bases are loaded. The crowd wakes up. And-as if you cannot guess what happens-now, Mighty Casey comes to bat. Wearing headphones. The time is now the place is here, folks; top of the ninth bases loaded and so is Casey. The pitcher throws one at his head and the call is "ball one." Next pitch is a screaming fast ball that catches Casey unawares and: “Steeeerike One!!!” two pitches follow quickly, aimed at his knees and feet and the call stands at three balls and one strike. The women are throwing their panties into the infield and the men are calling their mistresses for an early lunch. Mighty Casey points his bat over center field to indicate where his next homer is going to land and Willie takes a wad of spit from under his cap and greases the ball, the coach rubs his stomach, picks his nose and pulls at his belt. The catcher is signaling in sign language and the pitch is thrown. Casey, Mighty Casey, Huge, mean, powerful, godlike Casey swings his mighty bat …………..and misses. Men cry, women faint, children pick pockets and snatch purses. This is the moment of truth; bases are loaded, full count to the batter, the best batter the league has ever seen, the pitcher winds up; but, before the pitch is thrown, the skies open up and it starts to pour rain and the game is called at nil to nothing. Time for another PBR and some beer nuts.” April fools!

WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 45

YaGram

Below are our staff's favorite #NOLA hashtags on Instagram for March. Tag us @WhereYatNola or #WhereYatNola to be featured in an upcoming issue.

NewsAroundTheWeb

Updated Daily at WhereYat.com

RelaxedMarijuanaPenalties @melontao

@pdbuilds

@ jordan.hefler

@bwilbzz

@purplemermaid21

@meg_hinds

@emoryjones1

@nolajennie

@davidnola

TweetBites

Below are our staff's New Orleans hashtag picks from Twitter for March. Tag us @WhereYatNola or #WhereYatNola to be featured in an upcoming issue.

@CWaddington504: I can hear #BUKU2016 in Bayou St. John ...How does it sound in your neighborhood?

New Orleans is oﬃcially relaxing the penalties for marijuana possession from jail time to a fine and summons. Oﬃcers may now at their discretion issue tickets instead of taking the perpetrator to jail. The law was unanimously passed by City Council.

BeneathTut'sTomb Behind one of the world’s greatest mysteries lies yet another great mystery of the world, literally. Based on a radar scan of King Tut’s tomb site, experts have said to have found two more tombs behind the young King’s resting place. Could either of these tombs hold the remains of the mysterious Queen Nefertiti?

PonyUnderArrest? Police got a number of strange calls last week in California, as a number of residents reported a small unicorn wandering about. A pony dressed as a unicorn for a photoshoot eluded cops for three hours as it explored.

@kawaiiNOLA: TFW they're cuttin back all the oaks on @MagazineStreet in prep for the #irishchannelparade @ShelleySpooner : Decked in the leg by a cabbage. #rookie #ouchhhhh #IrishChannelParade @HerHistoryatYC : If you do #NOLA right you should come home as big as a house!!! #Yum #WalkAThousandMiles #Jelly @JackieLindert : Last thing I'll remember from tonight: "they cut the Everclear with Bourbon." #bye #CodysInTheBigEasy #NOLA @BreauxMart: Used to have a good friend named Mango Sorbetto. The friendship got a little cold.

46 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

SeaworldStopsBreedingShamu SeaWorld President Joel Manby announced that the company will no longer be breeding killer whales for its theme park use. This enormous reform is directly following SeaWorld's November decision to replace its "Shamu" killer whale shows in San Diego with presentations that focus on the conservation of the species.

Don’t Miss Jazz Fest with 40% Increased Distribution! Weekend 1 Deadline: April 5 Street Date: April 10 Weekend 2 Deadline: April 20 Street Date: April 24

• Call 504-891-0144 to advertise! • WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 47

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Where Ya' Been?

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2. Antoine’s Derrick Roberts enjoyed Starlight Racing at the Fair Grounds with Earl Mackie from Ma Momma’s House. 3. Mary Ann Connell and Tom Fitzmorris partied at the Jewish Children’s Regional Service’s “Roots of Celebration” fundraiser. 4. Jamie Broussard and Nellie Patzen were all smiles at Hootenanny, a fundraiser for Grow Dat Youth Farm.

5. The NOEW Food Innovation Summit at Manning’s featured Kirk Coco of NOLA Brewery with TOC’s Ann Tuennerman, Emily Marquis Vanlandingham of Locally

48 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

Preserved, Lauren Myerscough of Cocktails and Sons, and Scot Mattox of El Guapo Bitters

Nuit Belge at Generations Hall was an upscale festival for beer and food lovers.

6. John Besh prepares to wow the crowd at NOEW’s Food Innovation Summit. 7.

The weiner dogs at the Fair Grounds prepared to race for the prize.

8. Kelsey and Lauren enjoyed fine food and beer at Nuit Belge. 9.

BB King’s guitar “Lucille” was blessed before the Grand Opening of BB King’s Blues Club on Decatur Street.

10. Party-goers at BUKU enjoyed Griz and others.

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11. Parade-goers dressed the part for the Old Metairie St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

12. Costuming was a must at the “Downton Abbey” Farewell Gala. 13. Margarita Bergen dressed the part for the “Downton Abbey” Farewell Gala. 14. Jessica Oswalt and Michael Keegan Furlane smiled during intermission at “The Book of Mormon” at The Saenger. 15. Dancing to The Mixed Nuts was a highlight of Starlight Racing.

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WhereYat.com | April 2016 | 49

A short walk from the historic French Quarter, Mississippi River and Warehouse/Arts District, the Windsor Court is an oasis in the heart of it all. This luxury hotel offers the largest accommodations in the city as well as an outdoor heated pool, boutique spa, award-winning restaurant and two cocktail lounges.

Chat NIKKI REYES with

<< Megan Uram Director of Sales and Marketing, Windsor Court Hotel

<< Eric Paulsen News Anchor, WWL CH.4

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Close more streets. Keep going. Oh.....God! Hop to the closet. Make "Juevos Rancheros."

<< Tara Minamoto Customer Experience Manager, Windsor Court Hotel 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Expand it outside the French Quarter. Take my red drink and spill it on them. J.J. Watt. Jump around with him. Bring the eggs to the Tooth Fairy.

Ban rain. Well, depends on what I'm wearing. Bethany. Does the Easter Bunny do it like rabbits? Where do you want to go with this, Nikki?

Where Y’at Chat Questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

French Quarter Fest! If you were the Director of F.Q. Fest, what would you do differently? At F.Q.Fest, someone spills their red drink all over you. How would you react? At F.Q. Fest, you fall into the MS River and are rescued. Whom would you like to give you mouth-to-mouth? Easter! You're half naked while dressing and the Easter Bunny walks in on you. What would you do? On Easter Sunday, Easter Bunny needs you to cover his shift. What would you do with his eggs?

<< Sharla Martin Spa Director, The Spa at Windsor Court

<< Cory Sanchez Co-owner, Style House

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

1. 2.

Plant more trees. Totally laugh. It's just my luck. My husband, Paul. Give him a half-naked hug. Anything but eat them.

3. 4. 5.

Honestly? It's perfect. Go to Sytle House and change wardrobe. My wife, Remi. "Where have you been all my life, Bunny?!" I'd re-color them.

<< Carla Adams Owner, CMA Concepts, Marketing, Service Events

<< Jeﬀ Sladkus The Sladkus Law Group

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

More fest days. C'est la vie! Keith Urban. And, Nicole can hold my hair. Tell him where to lay my basket. Have an Easter egg hunt at Windsor Court.

<< Amanda Ducorbier Songstress of New Orleans

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

50 | April 2016 | Where Y'at Magazine

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Additional venues. I'd pretend it's tie-dye. My husband, Jazzy. Make sure I have my bunny ears on. Eat them and take the day off.

Air-conditioned port-a-potty. Was it from a guy or a girl? Jennifer Lopez. Yes!! "Excuse me, it's cold in here." I'd scramble that *$%@ up.

<< Vicki Schlosser Consultant, Independent Project Management Move it somewhere else. It's huge. Dab it and move on. Brad Pitt. Yeah! No....yeah. I'd cover up. Give them to Bugs Bunny and have him take my shift.

^^ Millicent Fayard Owner, Chief Enterprises

The potty situation. Oops! Déjà vu. Jason Statham. "You better hurry! These eggs are gettin' cold." Stuff each egg with a $100 bill for all.

FRENCH QUARTER’S FINEST

LIVE JAZZ

Try the

Vieux Carre at The Bombay Club

easter treats and prizes

join us for a grown up egg hunt - win prizes- drink specials ricks cabaret 315 bourbon www.rickscabaretnola.com // 21+ to enter //