Mardi Gras 2018 by Where Y'at Magazine

February 2018

WhereYat.com

MARDI

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MOST YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;LLFUN HAVE ON CABARET

BOURBON ST 315 BOURBON

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 3

Full-flavored beer in a light beer costume NEW ORLEANS IS DIFFERENT. Now there’s a light beer that is, too. Brewed for a full, satisfying flavor, Dixie Light is refreshingly low cal. That makes it the perfect parade route beer for Mardi Gras. Because you shouldn’t have to choose between great taste and low calories during the most wonderful time of the year.

91 calories 100% locally owned

4 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 5

CONTENTS Cover Story 8 The Krewe of Zulu

Features 12 22 24 26 28 32 34 36 38 48 54 58

Mardi Gras Parade Routes 300 Years: Mardi Gras Have Your Own Second Line

Contributing Writers: Emily Hingle, Kathy Bradshaw, Phil LaMancusa, Debbie Lindsey, Kim Ranjbar, Landon Murray, Krystral Christen, Leigh Wright, Emil Flemmon, Greg Roques, Carolyn Heneghan, Steven Melendez, Anthony O'Donnell, Andrew Alexander, Noah Stokes-Raab, Christopher Romaguera, Katey Ceccarelli, Jay Haliczer, Kimmie Tubre

Being Single on Valentine's Day Valentine's Ideas For Couples

Cover Photo by Gus Escanelle

40 Music Calendar 46 Steve Aoki 52 Lakeside 2 Riverside

Dining Food News $20 and Under Restaurant Guide Bar Guide

Extras 68 72 74 76 78

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Josh Danzig Creative Director: Michael Fulkerson Assistant Editor: Kathy Bradshaw Movie Editors: David Vicari & Fritz Esker Copy Editor: Burke Bischoff

Mardi Gras Float Painters Carnival Etiquette Guide History of Marching Bands Family Mardi Gras Traditions Mardi Gras Superstitions Underrated Krewes Rock 'n' Roll Marathon

Events & Nightlife

60 62 64 67

February 2018 Vol. 21 No. 6

Director of Sales: Stephen Romero

Photographers & Designers: Gus Escanelle, Jason Hall, Steve Hatley, Romney Caruso, Jorge Menes, Kathy Bradshaw, Greg Roques, Finn Turnbull, James Macaluso Interns: Marrisa Williams, Jeff Boudreaux, Alexis Shook, Crystal Morgan, Becca Miller, Alexia Pierre, Sammy Odell Subscribe: Receive 1 year (14 issues) for $30 and get a FREE Where Y’at CD. Subscribe today at WhereYat.com. Logo © 2017 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

Film Reviews Columns Around the Web Where Ya Been? Where Y'at Chat

Happy Mardi Gras! Enjoy this month’s issue featuring a look at the famous Krewe of Zulu parade. You’ll learn the origin of Zulu’s use of blackface and more after reading Kathy Bradshaw’s chat with Zulu President Naaman Stewart. Visit WhereYat.com for our new interactive parade map section! These maps will be updated regularly with easy-to-navigate features that work great on your phone or tablet. Don’t miss other great articles in this issue including Katey Ceccarelli’s “Carnival Etiquette Guide.” She breaks down the “deaux’s and don’t’s” of Mardi Gras! Did you know that the first use of the words “Mardi Gras” in Louisiana goes back to 1699? Our salute to 300 years of New Orleans continues with Jay Haliczer’s fascinating look back at Carnival history. Valentine’s Day falls on Ash Wednesday, so don’t miss Julie Mitchell’s recommendations of things to do whether you’re single or in a relationship. Have a safe and happy Carnival season! –Josh Danzig, Publisher

6 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

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Let’s Hear it for the Boys

Stewart explains that according to their constitution, Zulu is the “every-man” club. Though the krewe is 98 to 99 percent African American, as long as you’re a morally upstanding man over 21 and you’re registered to vote, you’re eligible to become a member. “We’ve never discriminated, and that’s something that we’re proud of,” Stewart explains. “We have black men; we have white men; we have rich men; we have poor men; we have straight men; we have gay men. Every configuration of maleness is what is a part of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. And once you’re in, we call everybody ‘brother.’” Yes, it’s true that membership is only for the boys. But ladies, never fear. Women are not left out of Zulu entirely. Though women can’t become official members, they are still able to join one of the 27 sub-groups of Zulu, referred to as “krewes,” which give them many of the same privileges the guys have, including taking part in the Mardi Gras parade. And, of course, a woman will be crowned as queen.

Don’t Believe Everything You Hear

The Krewe of Zulu Puts the Sublime in the Coconut By Kathy Bradshaw

Photos by Gus Escanelle

hat comes to mind when you hear the word coconut? Is it peaceful tropical beaches, coconutscented tanning oil, and palm trees blowing in the wind? Or, is it the chaos—the noise, the color, the excitement—of thousands of festive parade-goers, all of them elbowing, shoving, and screaming, while vying for the coveted trophy of decorated coconuts distributed by festively costumed krewe members atop 30-ton floats? In New Orleans this time of year, if you’re thinking coconuts, you’re most certainly thinking about the Zulu parade on Mardi Gras Day. There’s no doubt that Mardi Gras just wouldn’t be Mardi Gras without the Krewe of Zulu, and where there’s Zulu, there are coconuts. Naaman Stewart—a Zulu member for 27 years and their president since 2012—sets the record straight about the history of his krewe, what all is involved in getting that coconut from the tree to your bag of loot Mardi Gras Day, and Zulu’s life beyond coconuts.

So Much More Than Coconuts

An 800-man organization with members all across the country, Zulu formed in 1909 and was officially incorporated

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in 1916. More than just a basic Mardi Gras krewe, they function all year long, putting on a variety of events and activities, such as a picnic, a Mother’s Day festival, a coronation ball (which approximately several thousand attend), and, of course, the parade. Zulu is also heavily involved in the community, from mentoring children and offering scholarships, to sponsoring food and toy drives at the holidays. “Since I’ve been in this leadership role, it’s been something that has been important to me to make sure that we are out front as far as community service is concerned,” Stewart says. Zulu also has its own buildings, a “club house” of sorts, where members can come together, socialize, organize, plan events, and maybe grab a drink at the inhouse bar.

So, how did Zulu come into being over a century ago? You’ve most likely heard that the krewe first began parading in order to parody—or, some might say, to spite—the predominantly white Krewe of Rex, with whom they still share parading rights on Mardi Gras Day. But according to Stewart, that’s all a bunch of hooey. The real story goes that a group of guys, known as the Tramps, were already parading on Mardi Gras. The Tramps happened to see a play about the Zulus of South Africa, and were inspired enough by what they saw to instantly change their name and their identity to Zulu. The Krewe of Zulu was born. They then named a king (who wore a crown made from an old can of lard and carried a banana-leaf scepter) and continued parading in a similar vicinity as did the Krewe of Rex. Any other similarities between the two groups were purely coincidental. Another common misconception is that the “blackface” that the krewe continues to wear on Mardi Gras today is any connection to Al Jolson or Vaudeville. Also, not true. The truth is, it was against the law to parade back in the day without some sort of mask. In search of something with which to cover their faces, the Zulus discovered that burnt ash was readily accessible, cheap, and would do the trick for masking purposes. “As most African Americans at that time, we had to work with the resources that we had at our disposal in our community,” Stewart explains. “And we took them, how meager they were, and made them work for our organization.”

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“We’ve never discriminated, and that’s something that we’re proud of. We have black men; we have white men; we have rich men; we have poor men; we have straight men; we have gay men. Every conﬁguration of maleness is what is a part of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club. And once you’re in, we call everybody ‘brother.’”

-Naaman Stewart President, Krewe of Zulu Why Coconuts?

Coconuts by the Numbers

Another thing that was readily available to Zulu members in those days was produce. A lot of these guys worked in the French Market, which, back then, was much more green market than flea market. This meant that produce was easy to come by. Zulu’s first king carried a banana stalk, their first float was a produce wagon, and their first throws were also produce-based: in the beginning, they threw walnuts; then by the 1930s and 40s, this evolved into coconuts. Stewart says that besides the accessibility of coconuts, they also fit the Zulu theme. “You pair it with the warrior, the Africa, the jungle theme,” he adds. “What do you see in the jungle? You see coconuts.”

According to Stewart, Zulu’s 1,300 parade participants are all responsible for between 100 and 200 coconuts each. This means that, altogether, Zulu distributes between 150,000 and 200,000 coconuts every Mardi Gras—all of which have to be decorated. While some folks hire coconut decorators to do the work for them—which can very quickly add up to 30 or 40 hours of labor, depending on how elaborate you want your coconuts to be—plenty of others have coconut-decorating parties or coconut-related family gatherings. When Stewart was younger, decorating revolved around the holidays. As soon as the remains of the turkey and stuffing were cleared off the table, it was time for the family to pull out the coconuts and start decorating. He says they usually had all their coconuts finished up by Christmas. “It was glitter all over the house,” he remembers.

We’ve Come a Long Way

The coconuts of today—that we all knock people down, hang off the sides of floats, or beg and plead to acquire— are a far cry from the coconuts of yore. “When we gave them away at first, they were in their raw state—just hairy coconuts,” Stewart says. But, he goes on, “Over the course of the years, the Zulu parade participants started to get creative. So, you had the coconut shaved, then painted, then decorated. And so, it evolved into the beautiful finished product that you see right now.” And beautiful they are indeed. You can get coconuts decked out with glitter, feathers, beads, sequins, googly eyes … even a coconut formed into an elaborate candleholder or a turtle with a moving head. “We’ve seen Saints helmet coconuts; there was a guy that had a remote-control car coconut,” Stewart adds. “You name it, we’ve seen it: Superman coconuts with the cape, Mr. Potato Head coconuts with the sunglasses…”

Lighten Up

But coconuts haven’t only gotten prettier and fancier, they’ve also gotten lighter. In the wake of several lawsuits from parade-goers being accidentally injured from falling coconuts, Zulu had to seek out less cumbersome throws. Stewart explains that a raw coconut full of milk can weigh between one and three pounds, a weight that is multiplied exponentially if it’s hurled from a float at a parade-goer caught off-guard. “You have a coconut in your hand from an elevated position, so you have to think about the trajectory. And you have to think about the force,” he says. “I don’t want to say it’s like a bowling ball, but I’ve seen some of the damage that is caused to people who were unsuspecting.”

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Nuts for Coconuts

A Shell of Their Former Selves

To avoid such unintentional mishaps, Zulu no longer allows milk-filled coconuts to be distributed in their parade and opts instead to use merely the outer shell of the coconut. Therefore, the weight of an average Zulu coconut today has now dropped below a pound. Though, if you’ve ever had one hit you in the head, you know it still smarts even then. Getting rid of the milk wasn’t only a weight issue, however; it also increases their longevity. Stewart explains that coconuts in their raw state are prone to rotting, sprouting, or cracking in the cold. “After Mardi Gras, it would start to mildew. Another vine would start to grow out of it,” he says. “However, with this lightweight coconut, this is something that lasts for eternity, because all of the elements that would create the environment to disintegrate are not there.” So, these days, Zulu gets their coconuts shipped from Vietnam—drained of milk, scraped of coconut meat, cleaned, sanitized, with a first coat of paint applied—and almost ready to go. All that’s left is the decorating—which, mind you, is no easy task.

People desperately love these coconuts and are willing to do just about anything to get them. This includes begging, holding up signs, shouting “I’m from out of town!” or “It’s my birthday!” (with driver’s license in hand to prove it), and outright bribery. “Bribery definitely happens,” Stewart confesses. From food, to cans of beer, to bottles of liquor presented for trade, “it just depends on what you want versus what you want to give up and what you have to offer,” he says. Seeing as the Zulu Mardi Gras Day begins at 3 a.m. and doesn’t end until the following afternoon, it’s understandable that weary and hungry float-riders would be susceptible to bribes of refreshments. But while you might be ready to offer up your first-born child to obtain a coconut, hold off on that. Because, in fact, that baby just might be your golden ticket to getting the coconut you so desire. Stewart admits that krewe members are more inclined to give coconuts to certain people over others. “Baby’s number one,” he says. “Senior citizen’s number two. A cute individual. Friends, always. And I used to love to give coconuts to the lady police officers.” If none of those apply to you, keep a bottle of Crown on hand, just in case. “When you come to the Zulu parade on Mardi Gras Day, you’re looking for a coconut,” Stewart says. “If you’re lucky enough to get one, you can understand how special they are and how valuable, and what they mean to us.” As someone who has run alongside a float for three blocks, held up signs, offered bribes, and snatched a coconut from a stranger (I gave it back), I couldn’t agree more.

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 11

Parade routes are subject to change.

Be sure to visit Krewe of Cork >>

for up-to-date, interactive Parade maps at your Fingertips!

Friday, February 2 | 3:00 p.m. Begins: Halfway down Royal Street between St. Peter Street and Toulouse Street. Ends: Halfway down Conti Street between Royal and Bourbon Streets.

Fun Fact TheKrewe krewe’sof full name is become Krewe Dua The Cork has Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” world-famo us phenomeno n for (aka the French Quarter), which is why both Mardi Gras and the wine Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter.

industry.

<< Krewe of Oshun Friday, February 2 | 6:00 p.m. Begins: Perrier Street at Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du The of Oshun is Square” named VieuxKrewe Carré, meaning “Old for the theFrench Yoruba goddess of islove (aka Quarter), which why Krewe du and Vieuxintimacy. rolls in the Quarter.

Krewe of Cleopatra >> Friday, February 2 | 6:30 p.m. Begins: Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du The Krewe Cleopatra' s motto Vieux Carré,of meaning “Old Square” is “Her beauty is timeless, (aka the French Quarter), which isher why Krewe age duis nowrolls Vieux … forever!” in the Quarter.

<< Krewe of Pontchartrain Saturday, February 3 | 1:00 p.m. Begins: Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact Krewe of Pontchartrain The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du members yearVieux Carré, participate meaning “Oldin Square” round events such aswhich Zephyrs (aka the French Quarter), is why Kreweand du Vieux Pelicans rolls in games. the Quarter.

Krewe of Choctaw >> Saturday, February 3 | 2:00 p.m. Begins: Tchoupitoulas Street and Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Tchoupitoulas Street and Andrew Higgins Boulevard.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du

The Krewe of Choctaw Vieux Carré, meaning ’s ﬁrst “Old Square” (aka the French Quarter), which is why parade was in 1939. Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter.

Be sure to visit for up-to-date, interactive Parade maps at your Fingertips!

12 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

Parade routes are subject to change. << Krewe of Freret Saturday, February 3 | 2:30 p.m. Begins: Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Henderson Street between Convention Center Boulevard and the Port of New Orleans.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du Krewe of Freret just recently began Vieux “Old Square” paradingCarré, againmeaning in 2014, which was their (aka the French Quarter), which is why ﬁrst parade since the Krewe du Vieux rolls in the90s. Quarter.

'tit Rex >> Saturday, February 3 | 5:00 p.m. Begins: Marais Street and St. Roch Avenue. Ends: St. Claude Avenue between Marigny Street and Elysian Fields Avenue.

Fun Fact krewe’s full name is Krewe Du ‘titThe Rex members dress in black Carré, meaning “Old Square” tieVieux or similar attire as to keep all (aka the French Quarter), which is why attention focused the ﬂoats. Krewe du Vieux rolls on in the Quarter.

<< Knights of Sparta Saturday, February 3 | 6:00 p.m. Begins: Magazine Street and Jefferson Avenue. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du The Sparta parade includes ﬂoats Vieux Carré, meaning “Old pulled by mules and a secretSquare” mystery (aka the French Quarter), which is why throw. Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter.

Krewe of Pygmalion >> Saturday, February 3 | 6:15 p.m. Begins: Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name isisKrewe Du The Krewe of Pygmalion named for Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” the Greek king of Cyprus who fell in (aka the French Quarter), is why love with a statue of the which sea nymph Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter. Galatea.

<< Krewe of Chewbacchus Saturday, February 3 | 7:00 p.m. Begins: Press Street between St. Claude Avenue and N. Rampart Street.

Fun Fact Chewbacchus's motto is “Saving the galaxy … one drunken nerd at a time!”

Fun Fact

The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” (aka the French Quarter), which is why Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter.

Ends: St. Claude Avenue and Press Street.

Krewe of Femme Fatale >> Sunday, February 4 | 11:00 a.m. Begins: Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name The is Krewe Du krewe of Femme Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” Fatale's signature is a (aka the French Quarter),throw which is why lady’s Krewe du Vieuxcompact. rolls in the Quarter.

Be sure to visit for up-to-date, interactive Parade maps at your Fingertips!

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 13

Parade routes are subject to change. << Krewe of Carrollton Sunday, February 4 | 12:00 p.m. Begins: Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du Krewe of Carrollton temporarily Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” disbanded in 1942 due to a den ﬁre (aka the French Quarter), which is why and World War II. Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter.

Krewe of King Arthur and Merlin >>

Fun Fact

Sunday, February 4 | 1:00 p.m.

The krewe’s fulland name is Krewe The Du King Arthur Merlin parade Carré, “Oldof Square” isVieux always on meaning the Sunday Mardi (aka the French Quarter), which is why Gras week, also known as Family Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter. Sunday.

Begins: Jefferson Avenue between Constance and Magazine Streets. Ends: Poydras Street at Magazine Street.

<< Krewe of Alla Sunday, February 4 | 2:00 p.m. Begins: Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s is Krewe Du The Krewe of full Allaname was originally an Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” all-male krewe. However, women (aka the French Quarter), which is why have been riding as guests since Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter. 2013.

Krewe of Barkus >> Sunday, February 4 | 2:00 p.m. Begins: St. Ann Street and N. Rampart Street. Ends: Orleans Street at N. Rampart Street.

Fun Fact The Krewe of Barkus celebrates any and all types of dogs and dog owners/lovers.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” (aka the French Quarter), which is why Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter.

<< Krewe of Druids Wednesday, February 7 | 6:30 p.m. Begins: Magazine Street and Jefferson Avenue. Ends: Tchoupitoulas Street at Poydras Street.

Fu n Fact The Krewe krewe’s of fullDruids name is does Krewenot Du The Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” feature a queen or a court, or (aka the French Quarter), which is why even host a Mardi ball. Krewe du Vieux rolls in Gras the Quarter.

Krewe of Nyx >> Wednesday, February 7 | 7:00 p.m. Begins: Tchoupitoulas Street and Jefferson Avenue. Ends: Tchoupitoulas Street at Poydras Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du The Krewe of Nyx is an Vieux Carré, meaning “Oldall-female Square” krewe celebrating thewhich diversity (aka the French Quarter), is why of women. Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter.

Be sure to visit for up-to-date, interactive Parade maps at your Fingertips!

14 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

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Parade routes are subject to change. << Knights of Babylon Thursday, February 8 | 5:30 p.m. Begins: Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Magazine Street at Common Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du The Knights' King is known Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” asthe Sargon thewhich famous (aka Frenchafter Quarter), is why Babylonian Krewe du Vieux rolls inruler. the Quarter.

Knights of Chaos >> Thursday, February 8 | 6:15 p.m. Begins: Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full

name is Krewe Du The Knights of Chaos’s theme Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” remains (aka a secret the French until Quarter), rolling which is why Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter. time.

<< Krewe of Muses Thursday, February 8 | 6:30 p.m. Begins: Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street. Ends: St. Joseph Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The full name Krewe Du Thekrewe’s shoe-throw ingiskrewe is Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” named after the legendary (aka the French Quarter), which is why daughters Krewe du Vieux rollsof inZeus. the Quarter.

Krewe of Hermes >> Friday, February 9 | 6:00 p.m. Begins: Napoleon Avenue and Magazine Street. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du One of the ﬁrst Carnival clubs Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” to re-establis themselve after (aka the French h Quarter), whichs is why Hurricane in 2005. Krewe du VieuxKatrina rolls in the Quarter.

<< Krewe d’Etat Friday, February 9 | 6:30 p.m. Begins: Magazine Street and Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fu n Fact The krewe’s name Du Krewe d’Etatfull was theisﬁKrewe rst Krewe Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” to introduce blinking beads as (aka the French Quarter), which is why a Krewe du Vieuxthrow. rolls in the Quarter.

Krewe of Morpheus >> Friday, February 9 | 7:00 p.m. Begins: Jefferson Avenue and Laurel Street. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du The Krewe of Morpheus is Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” named after the god of dreams. (aka the French Quarter), which is why Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter.

Be sure to visit for up-to-date, interactive Parade maps at your Fingertips!

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WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 17

Parade routes are subject to change. << Krewe of Iris Saturday, February 10 | 11:00 a.m. Begins: S. Saratoga Street and Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du Krewe of meaning Iris is named for Vieux Carré, “Old Square” the goddess (aka the French Quarter), of thewhich rainbow. is why Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter.

Krewe of Endymion >> Saturday, February 10 | 4:15 p.m. Begins: City Park Avenue and Orleans Avenue. Ends: La Salle Street and Dave Dixon Drive.

Fun Fact Krewe of Endymion is one of the largest of the 80 New Orleans area parades.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” (aka the French Quarter), which is why Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter.

<< Krewe of Okeanos Sunday, February 11 | 11:00 a.m. Begins: Magazine Street and Jefferson Avenue. Ends: Tchoupitoulas Street at Poydras Street.

Fun Fact The full name is Krewe Du Thekrewe’s Krewe of Okeanos’s Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” queen is selected (aka the French year Quarter),each which is why Krewe Vieux rolls lottery. in the Quarter. bydurandom

Krewe of Mid-City >> Sunday, February 11 | 11:45 a.m. Begins: Magazine Street and Jefferson Avenue. Ends: Magazine Street at Canal Street.

Fun Fact The krewe’s is Krewe Du Krewefullofname Mid-City Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” introduce d Quarter), animated ﬂis oats (aka the French which why Krewe du VieuxGras to Mardi rolls inin the1947. Quarter.

<< Krewe of Thoth Sunday, February 11 | 12:00 p.m. Begins: State Street and Tchoupitoulas Street. Ends: Poydras Street at Tchoupitoulas Street.

Fu n Fact The krewe’s full namely is depicted Krewe Du Thoth is traditional Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” with the body of a man and the (aka the French Quarter), which is why head aninibis. Krewe du Vieuxof rolls the Quarter.

Krewe of Bacchus >> Sunday, February 11 | 5:15 p.m. Begins: Tchoupitoulas Street and Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Julia Street, halfway between Convention Center Boulevard and Port of New Orleans Place.

Fun Fact Thekrewe’s Bacchus organizatio is The full name is KrewenDu known for building Vieux Carré, the Square” largest meaning “Old (aka theever French ﬂ oats Quarter), assembledwhich is why for Mardi Krewe du VieuxGras. rolls in the Quarter.

Be sure to visit for up-to-date, interactive Parade maps at your Fingertips!

18 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

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Parade routes are subject to change.

<< Krewe of Orpheus Monday, February 12 | 6:00 p.m. Begins: Tchoupitoulas Street and Napoleon Avenue.

Fun Fact

Ends: Julia Street, halfway between Convention Center Boulevard and Port of New Orleans Place.

TheOrpheus krewe’s full name is Krewe Du founding Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” members include Harry (aka the French Quarter), which is why Connick Krewe Sr. in du Vieux rolls and Jr. the Quarter.

Krewe of Zulu >>

Fun Fact The lavish ﬂoats of the Zulu parade started in 1915 as simple dry goods boxes covered in palmetto.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” (aka the French Quarter), which is why Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter.

Tuesday, February 13 | 8:00 a.m. Begins: S. Claiborne Avenue and Jackson Avenue. Ends: N. Broad Street at Orleans Avenue.

<< Krewe of Rex Tuesday, February 13 | 10:00 a.m.

Fun Fact The krewe’s full name is Krewe Du The oﬃcial song of the Vieux Carré, meaning “Old Square” Krewe of Rex is “If Ever (aka the French I Quarter), which is why Krewe du Vieux rolls in the Quarter. Cease to Love.”

Begins: S. Claiborne Avenue and Napoleon Avenue. Ends: Tchoupitoulas Street at Canal Street.

Trucks Parades

Tuesday, February 13 | 11:00 a.m. - 'til Uptown Route

Be sure to visit for up-to-date, interactive Parade maps at your Fingertips!

20 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

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WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 21

Krewes Through Time New Orleans Tricentennial Series: 300 Years of Mardi Gras By Jay Haliczer

he first use of the words “Mardi Gras” in Louisiana was in 1699, when Pierre le Moyne, Sieur d’Iberville, named a bend in the river "Pointe du Mardi Gras," in honor of that year’s Fat Tuesday. However, Carnival was rarely celebrated in the new colony— the early people of the Big Easy found life in the mud-caked huts and thatched roofs of New Orleans’s pioneer days brutal and unrelenting. But by the time the French governor, the Marquis de Vaudreuil, made masked balls popular in New Orleans in the 1750s, Mardi Gras was already being celebrated. Impromptu processions of street maskers were fairly common by the 1830s, and it was they who tossed the first Mardi Gras

22 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

throws, which were originally sugarcoated peanuts. Zulu would invent the first signature throw, their famous coconut, but it would be Rex (pictured above and below) who would pioneer the now ubiquitous Mardi Gras beads, which were first thrown in 1921. The term throw itself, though, comes from the idea that those who were tossing these trinkets had so much in excess that they could simply give it all away by “throwing it to the crowd.” But organized Mardi Gras—that is, Mardi Gras parades with floats and a theme—would arrive shortly thereafter. In 1837, Mardi Gras street parades were dubbed “Cowbellians” after the Cowbellian deRakin Society, a Mardi Gras organization from Alabama. That same society would stage their first themed float

parade three years later in Mobile, known as Heathen Gods and Goddesses. And this is crucial: said society inspired members of the Pickwick Club to form their own Mardi Gras organization in the Crescent City. Founded in 1857, the Mistick Krewe of Comus was named after the Greek God of merriment and their inaugural theme would be Demon Actors from John Milton’s Paradise Lost. Next would come The Twelfth Night Revelers (1870), Rex (1872), The Knights of Momus (1872), and Proteus (1882), all organizations made up of wealthy white men from the uppermost echelons of society. And they would transform Mardi Gras from a participatory extravaganza into an event where citizens gathered not to partake in, but to watch the procession. But in doing so, they brought a kind of educated spectacle to the celebration that had been missing from New Orleans, in addition to establishing the traditions of modern Carnival. Rex assigned meaning to the colors of Mardi Gras using their 1892 parade, Symbolism of Colors: purple for justice, gold for power, and green for faith. And Comus’s pseudo Old English term krewe became the standard term for most Mardi Gras organizations. Proteus invented the call-out section at the Mardi Gras ball, and the Twelfth Night Revelers not only introduced the first Carnival queen, but, in borrowing the French, then Creole, custom of eating gateau des rois (king cake) on Twelfth Night to select their queen, cemented the connection between king cake and Mardi Gras. They were also the first to use political satire and the first non-parading krewe; since 1876, they have focused entirely on their private ball. Though no official rule barred other groups of people from creating their own krewes, these first organizations forbade women, African Americans, Jews, and Italians from joining, as well as white men who did not have the proper pedigree. But over time, this practice would lose its coercive social power. The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club (1909) was the first African American parading krewe. And the Mardi Gras Indians found some of their inspiration from Native Americans traveling with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. They arrived in New Orleans in 1884, and the Creole Wild West tribe was founded in 1885. The first female club to stage a parade was the Krewe of Venus in

1941, and the Virgilians, in 1939, became the first Italian-American krewe. But this changing social landscape would culminate in the founding of the superkrewe Bacchus, and then Endymion, in the 1960s. Their formation marked one of the biggest changes in Mardi Gras history: krewes designed for the general public. With celebrity kings and an open policy towards ball invitations, Bacchus led the way as the pinnacle of inclusivity. The elitism of the old Mardi Gras social order was largely a thing of the past, at least as a general, citywide practice. And in subsequent years, following this change in custom, three more superkrewes would join them: the krewes of Orpheus (1994), Muses (2001), and Nyx (2012). Though the Big Easy now had krewes for every stratum of society, inclusivity had its limitations. This was especially true for the old-line krewes—what the oldest of the Mardi Gras organizations would come to be called—since their attitudes towards krewe membership, culture, and social practices had remained unchanged despite the evolution of public opinion. But even newer krewes mostly preferred the insularity of the old practices, regardless of ethnicity or social status. Even so, the city of New Orleans, despite a bitterly divided city council, passed an ordinance in 1991 requiring all parading krewes to desegregate. Though most krewes opposed the decision, only Comus, Momus, and Proteus stopped parading. The traditions that the old-line krewes pioneered in the late 19th century have both evolved and remained the same, but race, sex, ethnicity, and social standing can no longer prevent someone from joining, or from creating, their own krewe. Yet, their approach has been replaced with a less refined form of entertainment and ritual. Nevertheless, the meeting of the courts of Comus and Rex still officially ends the Mardi Gras season every year. And in the year 2000, Proteus resumed parading. Modern Mardi Gras’s inclusivity has restored a degree of the old participation common during its earlier years, though its form and spectacle is radically different. Regardless, however, of how Mardi Gras is understood and celebrated, it remains, as it ever has, even after 300 years, the city’s most iconic and most enduring institution.

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Takin' It To The Streets: How to Host Your Own New Orleans Second Line By Phil LaMancusa

24 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

ou’ve seen them in the streets of the French Quarter—anywhere from two to 200. They’ve got a band, stilt walkers, jugglers, clowns, drinks, smiles; they’re dancing, throwing beads, and waving handkerchiefs to the astonished onlookers who wonder at the banner that reads, “Welcome Home, Sonny!” or whatever you can imagine as something that a person would want to have a parade for: birth, graduation, Patsy’s divorce, or (in many cases) just for the hell of it. Did you know that you can DIY? You can, and I’m going to walk you through the process of giving/having your very own customized second line procession, or as we commonly call it, “takin’ it to the streets!” First of all, you could call a service that can provide you with all the bells and whistles, including a restaurant destination for an après marche celebratory banquet. They will handle any permits, escorts, and accoutrements for your event. Or, you can continue to plow ahead on your own, and, by now, we’ve all seen the Hannibal Buress stand-up routine about having a parade in the streets of the French Quarter and how easy it is to organize and pull off. Well, surprise, it’s a little more complicated than the three minutes or so of humor that he uses, and although it isn’t rocket surgery, it’s not like me—cheap and easy. More like a fulltime job for whoever chooses to take on this challenge. I did try to follow his directions: “First you go down to the police station and get a permit,” he said; to which the answer is: no, you need to get a permit from city hall (1300 Perdido St., 7th floor) in person or online at nola.gov/onestop. The permit is $100.25 for non-profits and $200.25 for everyone else (why the $0.25? Who knows?). Next, you’ll need to choose the date, time, and route for your procession (at least 15 days in advance of the occasion), because you’ll, obviously, need a police escort to assist you in impeding traffic while you parade worry-free (drinks and all). The cost for the police starts at $384.97 for

the first (minimum) two-and-a-half hours and goes up; you pay that $384.97 whether you use them 2.5 hours or not. Your route and size determine the amount of police necessary, and for this, you will consult with a Special Event Commander. They will have you fill out two forms with your intentions, including who you have hired to clean up after you. You can find out more about police pricing at: nola.gov-secondaryemployment/pricing. About that marching band (remember them?); if you go to gigsalad.com/music, you

will find that there is a plethora of streetsavvy brass bands ready to take on your group’s event. They will range from $400 to $1,200 (and up) for an hour and a half (plus tip), depending on size, experience, and date of the adventure; again, more time means higher fees. Okay, so here’s the scene: say you and your entourage of 20 want to meet at Pat O’Brien’s on St. Peter Street (for drinks), dance down Royal Street to Toulouse Street over to Chartres and across Jackson Square, and end up at Muriel’s for burgers and more booze

or a little further to Harry’s Corner for just a throwdown. Swell, that’s a 20-minute walk at most. Figure it will take at least an hour and a half. It’s gonna be like herding cats to get from there to there. Alcohol, which many people want for this occasion (while making most of y’all more jovial) will slow things down more than a tad. You also need to consider whether you want to have all those accoutrements mentioned above, where, and how to get them. Did I mention that this will be a full-time gig to get your ship off the ground? It will be. You’ll need two people: one who does all the running around and grunt work (get Cousin Vinnie), and the other who will hand over their Amex card and look the other way (Uncle Vito). So now, face it, this is not something you want to subject yourself to; I mean, yeah, get Vinnie to do it and Vinnie will have a great story to tell, and you’ll have someone who you know that you can blame for any of the components that go awry, of which there will be many possibilities. Orrrrr … call a company that handles these, and other, functions on an everyday basis. There are a few, and I randomly picked MustDoNola.com (855-3536634) from the Destination Kitchen site and queried them. I was told that because of the myriad of details that need attention to avoid mishaps, and the need to eliminate any level of stress, inconvenience, or confusion that may occur, PLUS the absolute necessity to have this occasion not only go off without a hitch, BUT to keep things as lighthearted and above all FUN for all involved, you NEED professionals who have knowledge and understanding of

what it takes, how to do it, and how to be virtually invisible to all but the hosts of any event that they’re involved in. These people offer to take care of every detail of any celebration, from greeting your people at the airport (with a band), to sending your guests out to the swamps on tours or to dump a body (just kidding), or in our case, organizing a second line parade through the streets of the French Quarter. They advise me that not only do they know how to spend a person’s hardearned, but also where they can save money and/or get the most bang for the buck. So, my advice is: get the Amex from Uncle Vito, give it to Cousin Vinnie, and have Vinnie decide to either schlep it himself or “call some people.” Relax, come on down to The Big Easy, have a few drinks at Pat O’s, and act surprised and thrilled when all of a sudden, 20 of your closest friends show up with a band to take you to lunch, ya know what I mean? Who doesn’t love a parade?

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Hope Floats: Interview with Mardi Gras Float Painter Caroline Thomas By Emily Hingle Photos by Ryan Hodgeson-Rigsbee

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hen you try to tell people about Mardi Gras, you probably describe the larger scenes of people lining the streets to catch throws from masked riders on floats being pulled down the route. People who have never seen the magic of Mardi Gras with their own eyes may be confused as to what floats are. Floats are more than just tractors hauling people and beads; they are floating, living works of art. So much work goes into making, painting, and perfecting them, but they can be overlooked, as people are more interested in what’s coming off of them rather than what they look like. Float painters love their jobs, but they take their craft as seriously as a heart surgeon. The handiwork of one such artist named Caroline Thomas can be seen most prominently in Proteus, Knights of Chaos, and Krewe d'Etat. Her words will open your eyes to the unique beauty of Mardi Gras floats. Caroline was born in New Orleans, but she was raised in Baton Rouge. Whenever Carnival season rolled around, her family would come down to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras properly. It became a family affair, as they would stay with her grandparents or at a family friend’s St. Charles Avenue home to be as close as possible to the parades. She said about her history with Mardi Gras, “To be honest, I didn't really care about the beauty of the floats as a kid. It was all about those throws. But I discovered at a young age that you get way more stuff if you're wearing a costume that allows you to stand out, and so started my life-long obsession

with costuming. Now my Mardi Gras Day centers around the Saint Ann parade, solely to show off my costume for the year and ogle everyone else's creations.” She also rides in Proteus on the artist’s truck. She explained, “We keep all the tools in case the float breaks down en route, but we also decorate the truck and dress up in costume and make it into a good time, because, well, we're artists. I take all the brushes I destroyed over the year (and believe you me, there are a lot!), decorate them, and hand them out to people in the crowd. Where else in the world can artists have that sort of relationship with their audience?” Caroline honed her artistic skills at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. It was being away from the colorful festivities of Mardi Gras that helped her appreciate them more and more. She saw them as “the backbone of a certain way of life down in the Gulf region.” She began to see Carnival season in a different light and based her studies on it. She said, “My whole senior thesis was based around the concept of masking and the ‘carnivalesque,’ and I received a traveling grant from my school to go to Trinidad for Carnival. There are some heavy hitters in Trinidad, artists like George Bailey, Brian MacFarlane, and Peter Minshall, who committed meaningful and innovative careers to Carnival. I started to see that it wasn't enough to just make art about Mardi Gras, and that working in Mardi Gras itself could do more to move and unite people than any painting in a gallery.” Upon returning to her hometown after college, she was looking on Craigslist for work

and came across an ad that promised she would be a hero of Mardi Gras, despite being “overworked, underpaid, and anonymous.” She said that the opportunity sounded like “absolute catnip to a romantic kid straight out of art school.” After some years of part-time work painting floats, she was finally able to make it a full-time career in 2011. The process of painting floats is a yearround venture. Caroline explained her process: “About a week after Mardi Gras, I start meeting with the art director and owner of Royal Artists, the production company I work for. We usually come up with three theme proposals. Krewes have different tastes; some like themes that are kid-friendly, some like pop culture references, and some are solely focused on satire. Proteus is more about fantasy and mystery. And because they've been around since the 1880s, they like themes that tip their hat at that history, maybe by choosing a theme similar to one they did in the far past, or perhaps something that reflects the art and literature of the late 19th century.” The captain chooses from the available options, and Caroline sketches her float designs. Upon approval, she paints them in with watercolors. She continued, “The three main tasks of a float are the paint job, the sculpture or ‘prop’ on the front of the float, and the decorative paper elements (flowers, stars, etc). Royal Artists works on some of the oldest floats in the city—Proteus floats are over 130 years old, wooden wagon wheels and all. We embrace that as part of our aesthetic as a company, so our props are

almost exclusively papier mache, as opposed to Styrofoam. Painters might use a spray gun to block in a float, but we switch over to brushes for shading and detail. We figure people can go to Disney to see slick, polished floats. We want ours to look like they were still created by human hands, while preserving some of the old Carnival craftmaking that is so important to our history as a city.” After Proteus, Caroline moves on to work with Krewe of Chaos, Krewe d’Etat, and some floats for Mobile, Alabama, parades. Caroline loves being able to have more creative control of the look of the floats she works on instead of being part of a larger company that would have a team working on smaller elements of the process. Caroline said of the time that float painting takes, “We definitely beef up our temp/ seasonal staff starting around September, but I start working on next year's designs a week after Mardi Gras. I try to have some designs for the painters within a month. In the meantime, those really hurting for work can do the real dirty work of Mardi Gras— cleaning the floats. Let's just say there's a fivegallon bucket on each float that no amount of money would persuade me to touch. After that, all the theme floats have to be stripped of decorations and whited out, and there are always some slight repairs needed on the floats after getting a beating down Saint Charles.” Hopefully, you’ll be able to take the time to look more closely at the all-important vessels of Mardi Gras as they roll down the street this year.

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 27

Mardi Gras Etiquette: Deaux’s and Don’ts of Carnival By Katey Ceccarelli

omewhere between the fanciful merriment and logistical reality of Mardi Gras lies the city of New Orleans itself. For its residents, this world-renowned Carnival is both an intrinsic element of our culture and oftentimes a very real impediment to the functionality of our lives. It’s a month-long party that we can’t escape, whether we like it or not. For those of us who live in the Uptown “Box,” I mean that literally. So, if you find yourself visiting us here in NOLA as a tourist from elsewhere, or are a resident who merely needs a refresher on your Mardi Gras p’s and q’s, I urge you to read on. I’ve broken this guide down into major categories. While I’ve attempted to cover the crucial elements of Carnival etiquette, there will undoubtedly be pieces missing from the following list. An FAQ of Mardi Gras is “What do I wear?” The answer is: ANYTHING (with comfortable shoes). No-brainers such as “It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” “Never travel alone,” “If you see something,

28 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

say something,” and “Don’t screw with city property” should go without saying. Respect one another and yourself. Getting Around/Logistics In case you haven’t noticed, New Orleans is a very small city. We are also a very old city. Our roads are bumpy, narrow, and easily clogged (with water, cars, beads, beer, bodily fluids, etc.), so please be courteous. If you are attempting to drive to/during a parade, there’s a high likelihood that you will get stuck in traffic from another parade. In some circumstances, for hours. If you didn’t consult the WWL Parade Tracker app or WhereYat.com before departure, you better have come prepared with snacks. Who can be in a bad mood when there’s a fresh bag of Zapp’s to pop? On this note, please do your research and know where the closest bathroom is. We’d prefer you not use the street. Should you decide to opt for Uber,

prepare for long waits, unreliability, and surge fares. Ubers also cannot pick you up on Bourbon Street. Especially if you’re kicking around the Quarter, your good ol’ yellow taxicab can be the best bet. If you can find one. Quarter Quips Ah, the French Quarter. Every New Orleanian’s dream come true and worst nightmare. You won’t catch us on Bourbon Street, but should you choose to indulge, please be aware of yourself and your belongings. Pickpockets know it’s where distracted tourists hang out. And while you’re wandering, you will certainly be approached by shot girls from a number of establishments. These friendly young ladies will often quite forcefully offer fruity libations in the form of test tubes or Jell-O shots. It’s all fun and games until you’ve accidentally racked up a $50 tab on

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 29

sugar water. A word to the wise—you can politely say no! And no, your bartender absolutely does not want your beads as a tip. On The Route As a transplant myself, I find the single hardest part of Mardi Gras to be the parades themselves. It’s a cross between a tailgate and Burning Man, the key takeaway being that you must bring everything yourself. Some kind souls on the route may have treats for sale, but unless you want to be subsisting on Zapp’s alone, you need to bring your own ice chest and food. And

30 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

alcohol (no glass bottles). On the route means away from the bars, and if you want to stay lit, don’t expect it be raining from the sky like how it is everywhere else in our beloved Big Easy. As someone who didn’t grow up climbing a ladder and yelling, “Throw me something, Mister!”, my first Mardi Gras as a college student was a lot to wrap my head around. But the marked takeaway was undoubtedly how family-friendly it was. Parades are not Bourbon Street (read: no boobs). Carnival is generally geared towards kids. So please don’t stand in front of them. Conversely, if you really must catch throws, don’t stand

near kids, because they will be favored. As far as the more DIY parades go (Krewe Du Vieux, Chewbacchus, Muses), understand there aren’t a lot of throws to go around because most are lovingly hand-made by krewe members throughout the year. Be respectful of the time and artistry that goes into creating Carnival. Please be cautious and aware of your surroundings on the route. Don’t expect people to move when you are trying to work through a crowd, and don’t sit on the ground or you will get trampled. Two words: lawn chairs. Know what neutral ground and street-side mean (this will also

help with finding your friends). Stand back from the floats or the crowd monitors will physically shove you, or you’ll get tuba’d in the face. You may be able to cover that shiner with glitter, but you’ll never be able to get your pride back. Have Fun! Now that the cobwebs have been shaken off your pristine Southern etiquette, get out there and enjoy the kaleidoscope of color and festivity that is Mardi Gras! And don’t you dare go into someone’s home without paying respect to they mama.

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 31

Marching Through History The Story of Mardi Gras Marching Bands By Burke Bischoff

ardi Gras has a number of things associated with it that can bring in large numbers of crowds every year: the floats, the throws, getting drunk in public and not getting called out as an alcoholic. But for a lot of people (myself included), the main reason they go out for Mardi Gras is to feel the tremors of thumping percussion under their feet and hear the sounds of horns shooting through the air. In other words, to see the marching bands. Being a band kid myself when I was in high school, I can tell you that there are a good number of people who go out to Mardi Gras just to see the bands (and also throw beer cans into tubas, but that’s a different story). Anyway, just like the other traditions that are associated with the season, marching bands have a long-standing relationship with Carnival. The history of Mardi Gras marching bands goes as far back as the late 1800s, after the Civil War. Not only were there military bands, but freed African Americans also began forming brass bands (which only consisted of drums and brass instruments) all around New Orleans. These bands became a vital

32 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

element for an important event in the city: jazz funerals (aka second lines). These jazz funerals were marches from where a church reception was held to where a loved one would be buried. The family and friends of the deceased, along with a brass band, would march the entire route with the body. They would sing songs, play music, and celebrate the notion of the loved one’s departed soul reuniting with God. These marching processions would eventually influence the earliest forms of Mardi Gras parades, with the earliest formal Mardi Gras parades (with horse-drawn floats and the bands themselves) starting to crop up around 1857. So instead of marching to mourn and remember the dead, these bands marched to the beat of joyful celebration and excess. This mold of Mardi Gras wouldn’t really change so much in the next century or so (in regards to the bands, at least). That is, until history was made in 1967, on the 95th annual ride of the Rex parade. This is when the St. Augustine High School Marching 100 was invited to march in Rex, making it the first all African American high school band ever to do so. The Marching 100 had

already been in the Zulu and Krewe of Freret parades before that, but this marked the first time an all-black marching band was featured in what is still considered by many to be the most important and well-known parade in the Mardi Gras season. This act ended up making a large change in the face of Mardi Gras marching bands. Because of this, you’re able to see a lot more bands participating in all kinds of parades that were previously unavailable to them. Nowadays, any band has the opportunity to march in any parade that they want. Now, you’re able to see bands like the Edna Karr Marching Cougars, the McDonogh #35 Marching Roneagles, and the O. Perry Walker Charger Band in multiple different parades throughout the season (gotta give a quick shout-out to my old unit, the Archbishop Shaw Marching Eagles). So, go out and enjoy yourselves this Carnival season. While you’re out on the parade route, show some appreciation and give a shout-out to the kids marching in those bands. They’re as much a part of Mardi Gras history as the parades themselves.

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 33

A Very Local Mardi Gras: One Family’s Traditions By Kimmie Tubre Photos by Finn Turnbull & Steve Hatley

t’s the most wonderful time of the year. Now that the hot cocoa, candy cane, and gift-giving holidays are out of the way, it’s time for the real celebration. Laissez les bon temps rouler! Yep, that’s right, it’s time to decorate the Uptown trees with beads and fill the streets with elaborate, larger-than-life floats. There is without a doubt no other holiday like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Unfortunately, sometimes the holiday gets a reputation for its excess of beads, booze, and boobs. While many may come specifically for those three things, Mardi Gras in New Orleans is way more than that. Not only are there mearnings very religious and historic behind the holiday, there are also loads of personal family traditions that surround it.

34 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

When outsiders think of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, they think about the unlimited access to racy and raunchy debauchery. They think of what’s been portrayed on Girls Gone Wild and movies, and only associate it with famous streets like Bourbon Street. But things are usually very different for the locals. Yes, it’s still one big party, but it is also one big family affair. From its costumes, to its debutante balls, to the families that collaborate on truck floats, there is more to Mardi Gras than beads, booze, and boobs… Carnival Season Begins I get an immense amount of joy when I tell people that my first Mardi Gras was in my mother’s stomach. While I have zero proof of this, what I do know for sure is that I have celebrated Mardi Gras with my family for as

long as I can remember. For many of those years, the events that take place on Fat Tuesday have always been a big to-do. But, Carnival season actually starts way before the day of Mardi Gras. Depending on Easter, we could have either a long Carnival season or a short one. Either way, we have a way of making it one of the best times of the year. The official start of Carnival is on January 6, or “Kings Day.” This is the day when many locals change their Christmas trees into Mardi Gras trees. It is the day to bring out that giant purple, green, and gold wreath. Most importantly, it’s the day when it is officially appropriate to indulge in a local delicacy we like to call king cake. (Yes, we definitely judge those who eat it outside of the designated season.) From there, we parade until Fat Tuesday. Fat Tuesday With the Family On the eve of Mardi Gras, which is properly called Lundi Gras, the boys in my family are sent on a mission to find the best neutral ground spot on St. Charles Avenue. Not too close to the bridge, but close enough to catch Zulu, ‘cause we love coconuts. Toting an overnight bag and a tent to sleep in, they set up shop, and only they know where the night will take them. At about 4 a.m. the next day, the rest of the family begins to wake up. Two people are responsible for driving Uptown to park a pickup truck with a portable toilet resting on the bed of it. Now we can check restroom off the list. Whoever stays at the house is usually responsible for preparing the food. This can include anything from mini po-boy sandwiches to hot dogs, along with meat for the grill and, depending on the season, crawfish for the boiling pot.

At about 6:30 or 7 a.m., the bulk of the family begins to trickle on over to the spot on the “neutral ground side.” If you’re lucky, you’ll find a good parking spot, but with all of the other camping families and Zulu enthusiasts, many of the good ones are already taken. It’s 8 a.m., and Zulu is getting ready to roll. An uncle will come just in time with two ladders for the kids. There’s some new law about the placement of ladders, but we’ve already popped open our first few beers, so just give us the fine, because we kind of forgot what the rules are. Zulu is rolling, slowly as usual, but who cares? The tent next to us always has a DJ, and the streets turn into one big block party in between floats. On this one day, we are all family enjoying each other’s company. Somewhere between 10 and 11 a.m., Rex is strolling on by. This is when the stragglers slide through. They didn’t camp, didn’t prepare any food, and obviously they didn’t wake up early. But that’s okay, it is Mardi Gras after all! Later that day are the everlasting truck floats. I mean seriously, when do they end? This is the time of the day that the kids love, because they get the most junk that they have received throughout the whole Carnival season. It’s also about the time when many of us Mardi Gras soldiers tap out. Yup, it’s almost 5 p.m., and it’s time for bed. If you’re a real trooper, maybe you’ll find an afterparty at some bar or hit a balcony for the final hours on Bourbon Street. Whether you do or you don’t, one thing’s for sure: you enjoyed a Mardi Gras that was friendly for the whole family—a tradition that you will continue for the years to come, with memories that children like me will grow up to always appreciate. And that’s the real Mardi Gras—NOLA-style!

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WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 35

Who’da Thunk It? Mardi Gras Beliefs & Superstitions By Burke Bischoff

ince its inception in Southern Louisiana in 1699, the event known as Mardi Gras has become a staple of New Orleans and serves as one of the many symbols that represent the city. If you’re a local (or a tourist who watches way too much Girls Gone Wild), then you should know all about the traditions that are commonly associated with Mardi Gras: king cakes, parades, throws, balls, etc. We know them; we love them; we kind of get sick of them by the time Ash Wednesday finally rolls around. However, did you know that there are some hidden beliefs surrounding these traditions? Whether for religious purposes or pure superstitions, people have attached deeper meanings to these traditions, and we’re here to spotlight a few of them for y’all. Let’s start off with every local’s favorite dessert: the king cake. This tasty cinnamon treat has quite a few beliefs surrounding it. Did you know that eating a king cake outside of Carnival season will bring bad luck? Quite a few bakeries decide to sell customers king cake outside of the season, but many people

believe that if you eat it at any time not during Carnival, then it will rain on Mardi Gras day. Go ahead and buy a king cake the next time you’re at Manny Randazzo, Gambino’s, or Antoine’s Bakery, but think real hard about the weather you might cause if you bite into that cake out of season. Speaking of biting, chances are that most of us have almost broken a tooth while eating a king cake because of the plastic baby inside. Well, did you realize that the small dentisttrip-waiting-to-happen trinket is actually Jesus? (Not ACTUALLY Jesus, mind you; try telling some Christians you found God in a cake and don’t be surprised by the looks they give you). But yes, it’s true. Originally, the baby in the king cake symbolized the baby Jesus. Nowadays, the baby mostly represents good fortune and prosperity, and if you do get the baby, some people will even treat you like a king or queen for the day. You’re shackled with buying the next king cake or throwing the next Mardi Gras party, but at least you’re treated like royalty for a day. The act of wearing a mask or costume at Mardi Gras has beliefs that stem from all

the way back to the 17th century. Back then, people were under strict social conduct rules. However, by wearing a mask to Mardi Gras events, the stigma of intermingling outside of your social class evaporated and the community truly came together to have a good time. Just like at Halloween, people believe that by dressing up and wearing masks, they can come together with others in the community, leave their biases or social class at home, and just let their freak flags fly. Another belief is that you’ll be destined for great things and have good luck if you catch beads during a parade. I know, sounds silly (“Catching this tiny, plastic, crawfish bead will set me up for life?”). Well in 1872, to celebrate having Grand Duke Alexei Alexandrovich of Russia as the guest of honor for the very first Rex parade, beads decorated with three symbolic colors (gold for power, purple for justice, and green for faith) were tossed to spectators who appeared to embody all of these traits. So, some people believe that catching beads means that they will receive these three perks in their lives and therefore will try to catch as many as they can. That’s a fun idea and all, but remember these three things: 1.) don’t get a swollen ego because you’ve got more beads than anyone else, 2.) don’t hurt anyone around you in the pursuit of more beads, and 3.) don’t dislocate your spine by wearing all of that crap on your neck. There are many Mardi Gras beliefs that are as old as dirt and others that are being made up in recent years. No matter what you believe, though, all can agree that Mardi Gras is something worth believing in.

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and while they are obviously far smaller than the usual float, they can be incredibly detailed. The parade for this krewe doesn’t get as crazy, packed, or loud, and is a cute, fun, more relaxed option to take a break from the craziness while still being at a parade.

Underrated Krewes of Mardi Gras

By Noah Stokes-Raab

f this season is your first time experiencing Mardi Gras, everyone, including myself, will be encouraging you to check out certain parades that we swear are the best ones. Everyone has their favorite parades run by their favorite krewes, and nobody here likes to keep those preferences to themselves. Each parade krewe has its own history and its own traditions that make its parade so much fun. Every krewe is special and unique, and their parades reflect that. By just looking at pictures or videos of different krewes and their parades, you might see small differences like what the members of each krewe are throwing from 'tit the floats, what they’re wearing, or how their floats are decorated, but there’s much more than that which sets each krewe apart. Some of the krewes that you’ll hear about the most are Zulu, Bacchus, Endymion, Orpheus, Muses, and Krewe du Vieux. My

personal favorite would probably be Zulu, partly because of the fact that it takes place first thing in the morning on the last day of the parades (8:00 a.m. on Fat Tuesday) and partly because almost the entire city attends it. These are some of the most popular parades every year, and they’re definitely worth experiencing. However, if you want to show off to visitors, or friends, and show them a parade they’ve never seen or maybe even heard of, here are a few of the krewes that often go under the radar of mainstream Mardi Grasgoers. Krewe of ‘tit Rex: ‘tit Rex is short for Petit Rex and is a kind of ironic take on the bigger, more popular krewes that compete to have the Rex biggest, most extravagant floats. It was founded in 2009, and the point of the parade is for members to make incredible floats, only fractions of the size of the massive floats that are in all of the other, bigger parades. The floats are often made out of shoeboxes,

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king of the parade. The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus usually holds a parade that is generally Star Wars- and sci-fi-based, but this year will be more closely focused on the wookie himself: Chewbacca. Peter Mayhew, the man who played Chewbacca, will be in attendance. If you plan on attending this parade, be safe and keep an eye out for stormtroopers; they’ll be on the lookout for rebel forces.

Krewe of Barkus (pictured left): My personal favorite krewe outside of the bigger, more mainstream krewes is most likely the Krewe of Barkus. Legend has it that Krewe of Thoth: at a meeting of the This krewe has an Margaret Orr fan interesting and club, a member morally uplifting brought his dog. history. In 1947, Members of Thoth’s founding the club were members annoyed at designed a the dog and very unique at the dog’s route that owner for was designed bringing a specifically dog in the to pass by first place. institutions As revenge, and places the member where people (Thomas Wood) with illnesses and thought it would disabilities live. One be fitting to create a of the main purposes parade with his pet behind the Krewe of dog as the leader, or Thoth is to provide Kre s queen, of the entire the glory and wonder u we o h parade. of Mardi Gras to people f Chewbacc Now, Barkus is officially who, without this specific route registered as a licensed parade krewe. You drawn, might not be able to witness can attend the parade, which only spans about much of the Mardi Gras festivities. 15 blocks, and watch the Mardi Gras pups trot along, fully dressed up, while the entire French Krewes like these are part of what makes Quarter is overrun with puppies—both part Mardi Gras so special. There’s something of the parade and not. You can even register for every single person out there. There are your own dog online and dress him or her up parades for dog lovers and sci-fi nerds like without feeling weird about it! myself, and people even go quite literally out of their way to bring parades to people who Krewe of Chewbacchus: wouldn’t be able to otherwise Getting its name see them. from a combination While the bigger, of Chewbacca more mainstream and Bacchus, parades are Chewbacchus absolutely combines Mardi incredible and Gras with the are, in my Star Wars opinion, a universe. It’s must-see, quite literally they are the best of talked about both worlds. far more If you don’t than a lot know who of the other Chewbacca is, smaller krewes this might not and parades. be the parade So, if you’ve for you. But then already seen again, it’s essentially most of the bigger impossible to find a parades that people parade that isn’t right talk about nonstop, for anyone. If you’re if you want to show Krew unfamiliar with this furry off your knowledge of e of Thoth Star Wars creature, look up his less mainstream krewes, if highlights on YouTube; you won’t be you want to take a break from the disappointed. insanity of some of the bigger krewes, or if you Bacchus, on the other hand, is arguably the just want to say hello to Chewbacca, there is a most extravagant and exciting parade of Mardi goldmine of krewes out there—including more Gras. They have some of the biggest and most that I haven’t mentioned—that have a lot to abundant floats of any krewe, and every year, offer to anyone interested. they choose a new famous celebrity to be the

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MUSICCALENDAR

BizMarkieGras Join the legendary rapper and DJ for an Endymion after-party, sanctioned by the “Clown Prince of Hip Hop” himself! With special guest DJ Soul Sister, Biz Markie will prove that he’s more than “Just a Friend” to New Orleans, with a special performance to keep you rolling on into Fat Tuesday. Sat., Feb. 10, $14+, 11 p.m., House of Blues, houseofblues.com/neworleans Monday, January 29 21st Amendment - Doyle Cooper Jazz Quartet Bacchanal Fine Wine and Spirits - Helen Gillet Bamboula’s - St. Louis Slim, Co & Co Travelin’ Sho BMC - Wizz, Lil Red & Big Bad, The Key Sound Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus Bourbon Orleans - Chance Bushman & The Ibervillianaires Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel Chickie Wah Wah - Justin Molaison, Alex McMurray Circle Bar - Clint Johnson Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a - Sarah Quintana, Funk Monkey Dos Jefes - John Fohl Dragon’s Den - Neela, Ill Medina, Chris Johnson Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Charlie Fardella and Richard Scott Hi Ho Lounge - Bluegrass Pickin’ Party, Instant Opus House of Blues - Cowboy Mouth Rock Boat Pre-Party Howlin’ Wolf - Andy Frasco & the U.N., Wild Adriatic Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield Kerry Irish Pub - Roy Gele Maison - Chicken & Waﬄes, The Royal Roses Maple Leaf - Trifunkta, Wayne Maureau & Chris Adkins Neutral Ground Coffee House - Genial Orleanians Morning Call - Valerie Sassyfras One Eyed Jacks - Blind Texas Marlin Palace Cafe - The Rum Runners Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Nervous Duane, Kirk Duplantis, Quinn Sternberg Royal Frenchmen Hotel & Bar - Rodolfo Benitez Side Bar Nola - David Bandrowski, Martin Krushe, Doug Garrison Snug Harbor - Charmaine Neville Band Three Muses - Bart Ramsey, Salvatore Geloso Vaso - Krawdaddy’s Band Tuesday, January 30 21st Amendment - Shake It Break It Band 30/90 - The Bayou Saints Bamboula’s - Damn Gina Trio, Jan Marie BMC - Jersey Slim, Dapper Dandies Bombay Club - Joe Krown Bourbon Orleans - Marty Peters Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Checkpoint Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Chickie Wah Wah - Chip Wilson and Marcello Benetti

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Circle Bar - Carl LeBlanc, The Poppy Field Columns Hotel - Alex McMurray and John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Dos Jefes - Tom Hook and Wendell Brunious Dragon’s Den - Seth Kassel Trio, James Jordan Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Tom Fischer and Richard Scott Hi Ho Lounge - Bruisey Peets House of Blues Restaurant - Michael Liuzza Howlin’ Wolf - Comedy Breast Jazz Playhouse - James Rivers Movement Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop - Lucky Lee Little Gem Salon - Tom McDermott and Marc Stone Maison - the Function, Gregory Agid, Samantha Pearl Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - Steve Yocum Maple Leaf - Rebirth Brass Band Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Eric Epstein, Clyde Palace Cafe - The Rum Runners Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Ralph’s On The Park - Charlie Miller Rare Form - Albanie Falleta, Buenaventura, Blue Chip Players Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar - Rodolfo Benitez Side Bar Nola - Johnny Vidacovich and Roger Lewis Duo Snug Harbor - Stanton Moore Trio Special Venue - Musaica Chamber Ensemble Three Keys at the Ace Hotel - Think Less, Hear More Three Muses - Sam Cammarata, Joshua Gouzy Trinity Episcopal Church - Organ and Labyrinth Vaso - KrawBuds Band, Funk It All Band Wednesday, January 31 21st Amendment - Catie Rodgers, Prohibition All Stars Autocrat Social and Pleasure Club - TBC Brass Band Bamboula’s - Eight Dice Cloth, Bamboula’s Hot Trio Bombay Club - Josh Paxton BMC - Demi, Ghalia, Funk It All Bourbon Orleans - Shynola Jazz Band Buffa’s - Nattie Sanchez Candlelight Lounge - Andrews Brass Band Carousel Lounge at Hotel Monteleone - James Martin Band Checkpoint Charlie - T Bone Stone Chickie Wah Wah - Ivor Simpson-Kennedy, Seth Kessel Circle Bar - The Iguanas, Darsombra Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat

Crazy Lobster - Ken Swartz and the Palace of Sin d.b.a. - Tin Men, Walter Washington Dos Jefes - The George French Trio Dragon’s Den - Groove Therapy Open Mic Effervescence - Harry Mayronne Frenchmen Hotel Rooftop Bar - Evan Oberla Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman and Barry Foulon Gasa Gasa - Radio Moscow, Amplified Heat House of Blues Foundation Room - Michael Liuzza Jazz Playhouse - Miss Sophie Lee Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper Little Gem Saloon - Mikayla Braun and Marc Stone Maison - New Orleans Jazz Vipers, Dab Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - Steve Yocum Maple Leaf - Brittany Purdy Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp Morning Call - Valerie Sassyfras, Krewe du Two Neutral Ground Coffee House - Jonathan Tankel, Claude Hitt Old U.S. Mint - Billie Davies Palace Cafe - The Rum Runners Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Lars Edegran and Topsy Chapman Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Ralph’s On The Park - Joe Krown Rare Form - Nervous Duane, Tchoups, Champion Swag Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar - Rodolfo Benitez Santos Bar - Peyote Coyote Side Bar Nola - Larry Sieberth and Doug Belote Snug Harbor - Delfeayo Marsalis Tapps II - Kevin Morris and Uptown Production Three Keys at the Ace Hotel - Marina Orchestra Three Muses - Leslie Martin , Esther Rose Tipitina’s - Yonder Mountain String Band Trenasse’ at the Hotel Intercontinental - St. Louis Slim UNO Theatre of the Performing Arts Center - Musaica Chamber Ensemble Vaso - Jason Neville and Friends, Hyperphlyy Thursday, February 1 Bamboula’s - St. Louis Slim, Kala Chandra Buffa’s - Gumbo Cabaret, Tom Saunders Bar Redux - Justin Dye Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski and Evan Christopher Bullet’s Sports Bar - Kermit Ruffins Cafe Negril - Soul Project Checkpoint Charlie - Brian Maloney Circle Bar - Dark Lounge and Rik Slave Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Alexis, Little Freddie King Dos Jefes - The Todd Duke Trio Dragon’s Den - Jerk Unicorn, Felion, Slow Coyote Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Tom Fischer and Richard Scott Gasa Gasa - Maggie Belle and Big Easy Brawlers Hi Ho Lounge - Terra Terra, The Unnaturals House of Blues Restaurant - Jake Landry Howlin’ Wolf - Bun B Jazz Playhouse - Ashlin Parker Trio, Brass-A-Holics Kerry Irish Pub - Beth Patterson Le Bon Temps Roule - The Soul Rebels Maison - Good For Nothin’ Band, Sweet Substitute Marigny Opera House - Silver Swan Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Gena Delafose New Orleans Social House - El Congero Marti and DJ Torx Ogden Museum of Art - Greg Schatz Old Point Bar - Wonderland Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Crescent City Joymakers, Leroy Jones Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Ralph’s On The Park - Joe Krown Rare Form - Joel Willson, Beardsley, Ashlae Blume Band Snug Harbor - Spencer Bohren Southport Hall - Magic Sword and Glitch Back Three Muses - Tom McDermott, Esther Rose

Friday, February 2 Bamboula’s - Co & Co Travelin’ Show, Chance Bushman Buffa’s - Should O’ Sam, Variety, Calvin Johnson BJ’s Lounge - R Scully, Joe Kile Blue Nile - Kermit Ruffins Bullet’s Sports Bar - The Pinettes Brass Band Casa Borega - Alicia Kafka & Jason Lynch Checkpoint Charlie - Domenic, Ron Hotstream Circle Bar - Natalie Mae & Gine Leslie, DJ Slick Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Hot Club of New Orleans, Juan Pardo Dos Jefes - The Panorama Jazz Band Dragon’s Den - Julie Odell, DJ RQ Away Frenchmen Hotel Rooftop Bar - Allie Porter Band Fritzel’s Jazz Band - Kevin Clark & Collin Myers Gasa Gasa - Lomelda & New Holland and Harry Permezal Harrah’s Casino - Jorge Laboy Hi Ho Lounge - Burris, Kris Royal and Devin Trusinclair House of Blues - Slippery When Wet House of Blues Foundation Room - Jake Landry House of Blues The Parish - Dee-1 House of Blues Restaurant - Dick Deluxe, Captain Buckles Band Jazz Playhouse - Joe Krown, Grayson Brockamp, Romy Kaye Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper, Jamie Lynn Vessels Le Bon Temps Roule - Joe Krown Maison - New Orleans Swinging Gypsies New Orleans Jazz Museum - Rick Trolsen, Bill Richards, Nick Solnick New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Johnette Downing New Orleans Social House - El Congero Marti & DJ Torx Old Point Bar - Rick Trolsen, Revival One Eyed Jacks - Future Birds & Neighbor Lady Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Kevin Louis Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Nervous Duane, Jeremy Joyce Rock ‘n’ Bowl - The Phunky Monkeys Ruby’s Roadhouse - Paula & The Pontiacs Snug Harbor - Germaine Bazzle & Larry Sieberth Quartet South Port Hall - Blue Velvet & The Noise Complaints Special Venue - Cole Williams Band Three Muses - Royal Roses, Doro Wat Jazz Band Tipitina’s - John “Papa” Gros Twist of Lime - East Bridge Junction Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends Saturday, February 3 Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra, Johnny Mastro Buffa’s - Doyle Cooper, Derrick Freeman, Joe Krown Banks Street Bar - Ricky T & The Rockets Blue Nile - Raja Kassis Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski Quartet Casa Borega - Martin Moretto Duo Checkpoint Charlie - Jillian King, Jeb Rault, The Unnaturals Circle Bar - Luciferian Rites, Venereal Baptism, Mehenet Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Meschiya Lake, Soul Rebels Dmac’s Bar & Grill - Slow Coyote Dos Jefes - Antonio Dragon’s Den - DJ FTK, DJ Legatron Prime, DJ Dizzi Evangeline - Lil Josephine and Rhodes Spedale Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Mike Fulton & Dave Ruffner Gasa Gasa - Sam Lewis, Anne Elise Hastings Harrah’s Casino - Jorge Laboy Hi Ho Lounge - Pink Room Project House of Blues - LouMuzik House of Blues The Parish - Richard Thompson & Andrew Duhon House of Blues Restaurant - Geovane Santos, Bon Bon Vivant Jazz Playhouse - Stefon Moll, Shannon Powell Quartet Kerry Irish Pub - Beth Patterson, Lonestar Stout

Maison - Chance Bushman, Gabriella Cavassa Marigny Brasserie - Cole Williams Band New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Seguenon Kone New Orleans Social House - El Congero Marti & DJ Torx Old Point Bar - Maid of Orleans One Eyed Jacks - Aaron Lee Tasjan and Steve Poltz Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Greg Stafford Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars, Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Jeremy Joyce, Will Dickerson, Justin Donovan Rock ‘n’ Bowl - AsheSon Ruby’s Roadhouse - Jonathan “Boogie” Long Saint Roch Tavern - Valerie Sassyfras Snug Harbor - Astral Project Three Keys at Ace Hotel - 79rs Gang Three Muses - Nicholas Barron, Shotgun Jazz Band Tipitina’s - DJ Soul Sister Twist of Lime - Lance Villafarra

Sunday, February 4 Allways Lounge - Dinosaurchestra Bamboula’s - New Orleans Ragweeds, Carl LeBlanc Bar Redux - Yogoman & Bongo Jac Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski Trio Buffa’s - Some Like It Hot, Pfister Sisters Bullet’s Sports Bar - VL and Just Eight Band Casa Borrega - John Lawrence Checkpoint Charlie - Jim Smith Circle Bar - Micah McKee, John Curry, DiNola Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Deltaphonic Dragon’s Den - Anuraag Pendyal, Church Frenchmen Hotel Rooftop Bar - Afrodiziac’s Jazz Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Mike Fulton & John Royen Hi Ho Lounge - The Olio House of Blues Restaurant - Jason Bishop Howlin’ Wolf - The Hot 8 Brass Band Kerry Irish Pub - Tail Light Rebellion Maison - NOLA Jitterbugs, Leah Rucker, The Function Old Point Bar - Romy Kaye and Jeanne Marie Harris

Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Mark Braud Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Press Street Station - Kevin Gullage Ralph’s On The Park - Charlie Miller Rare Form - Eight Dice Cloth, Steph Wall, Ace Snug Harbor - The Gentilly Groovemasters Superior Seafood - The Superior Jazz Trio, Tim Paco Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Juju Child & the Hypnotic Roots Three Muses - Raphael et Pascal, Linnzi Zaorkski Monday, February 5 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Helen Gillet Bamboula’s - St. Louis Slim, James Williams Bar Redux - Toby O’Brien & Friends Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus Buffa’s - Arsene Delay, Antoine Diel Circle Bar - Clint Johnson, Pine Hill Haints + Ixnay Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - John Boutte, Michael Hurtt

March 8, 9 + 10, 2018

conteMporary arts center | le Meridien Master distiller dinners March 8 BoUrBon + BUrlesQUe w/ trixie Minx presented By jiM BeaM March 8

Dos Jefes - John Fohl Dragon’s Den - Brasileiro Duo, Dj Ill Medina Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Charlie Fardella & Richard Scott Hi Ho - Bluegrass Pickin’ Party Jazz Playhouse - Gerald French Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield Kerry Irish Pub - Beth Patterson Maison - Chicken & Waﬄes, The Royal Roses One Eyed Jacks - John Maus + LUKDLX Preservation Hall - Preservation Jazz Masters, Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Nervous Duane, Quinn Sternberg Trio Snug Harbor - Charmaine Neville Band Three Muses - Monty Banks, Mia Borders Tuesday, February 6 Bamboula’s - Damn Gina, Big Dixie Swingers Blue Nile - Marco Benevento Bombay Club - John Royen Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Checkpoint Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Chiba - Looka Here Circle Bar - Carl LeBlanc, Trashlight Columns Hotel - John Rankin Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Band Dos Jefes - Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Ellis Marsalis Center - Wessel Anderson Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Tom Fischer & Richard Scott Hi Ho Lounge - Felion, Jazmarae, Tom Pol House of Blues - Jillian Kay, Mila Kylie, Sean Riley Jazz Playhouse - James Rivers Movement Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Maison - Frog and Henry, Gregory Agid Quartet Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - Steve Yocum Neutral Ground Coffeehouse - Claude Hitt New Orleans Jazz Museum - Down on Their Luck Orchestra New Orlean Jazz National Historic Park - Richard Scott One Eyed Jacks - Kanaval Ball Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Ralph’s On the Park - Charlie Miller Rare Form - Sara Wolf, Real Street Ragtet Snug Harbor - Stanton Moore Trio Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Ivan Neville’s Nola Nites: Mardi Gras Edition Three Muses - Sam Cammarata, Josh Gouzy Wednesday, February 7 Bamboula’s - Eight Dice Cloth, Mem Shannon Bombay Club - Josh Paxton Buffa’s - Nattie Sanchez Checkpoint Charlie - T Bone Stone & the Happy Monsters Circle Bar - Shake the Baby Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men Dos Jefes - The George French Trio Dragon’s Den - Groove Therapy Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman & Barry Foulon Hi Ho Lounge - Marina Orchestra + Keith Burnstein Jazz Playhouse - Nayo Jones Experience Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper

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for tickets & more info visit neworleansBoUrBonfestival.coM

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 41

Dragon’s Den “Upstairs” - Felion Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman & Richard Scott House of Blues - The Devil Makes Three Jazz Playhouse, The - Ashlin Parker Trio, Brass-AHolics Joy Theater - Lettuce Kerry Irish Pub - Will Dickerson Le Bon Temps Roulé - The Soul Rebels Maison, The - Good For Nothin’, The Roamin’ Jasmine NOSH: New Orleans Social House - El Congero Martí + DJ Torx Old Point Bar - Bruce Tyner Trio Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Crescent City Joymakers Pearl Wine Company - Anna Mangiardi & Co. Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Ralph’s On the Park - Tom Worrell Rare Form - Joel Willson, Beardsley, The Silent Life Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Chubby Carrier Snug Harbor - John Rankin Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Little Cosmicana Three Muses - Tom McDermott

YoGotti Yo Gotti’s been perfecting his rhymes since the age of 14 in his hometown of Memphis. 22 years and six albums later, he’s been spending his days competing for “Album of the Year” at the BET Hip Hop Awards and laying down tracks with Nicki Minaj. You can catch him with sounds by DJ Poppa and special guest Rude Jude. Tue., Feb. 13, $64+, 10 p.m., Saenger Theatre, saengernola.com Maison - McKenna Alicia, New Orleans Jazz Vipers Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - Steve Yocum Marigny Brasserie - Gray Brockamp Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Palm Court Jazz Band Preservation Hall - Tornado Brass Band Ralph’s On the Park - Jeff Pounds Rare Form - Nervous Duane, Tchoups Snug Harbor - Uptown Jazz Orchestra Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Helen Gillet + 1 Three Muses - Leslie Martin

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Thursday, February 8 Buffa’s - Jerry Jumonville, Tom McDermott Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra, Gentilly Stompers, Bon Bon Vivant Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski and Evan Christopher Bullet’s Sports Bar - Kermit Ruffins Café Negril - Soul Project Checkpoint Charlie - Kenny Claiborne, Shawn Williams Circle Bar - DJ Matty & Kristen Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat Dos Jefes - The Carl LeBlanc Trio

Friday, February 9 Buffa’s - Dapper Dandies, Luna Y Miguel Bamboula’s - Co & Co Travelin’ Show, Sierra Green Bombay Club - Phillip Manuel Bullet’s Sports Bar - The Pinettes Brass Band Checkpoint Charlie - Domenic, Louisiana Hellbenders Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tuba Skinny, Cha Wa Dos Jefes - Abe Thompson Dragon’s Den - Julie Odell, DJ RQ Away Frenchmen Hotel Rooftop Bar - Strange Roux Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Kevin Clark & Rick Trolsen Hi Ho Lounge - LeTrainiumph, Soul Sonix House of Blues The Parish - LouMuzik House of Blues Restaurant - Dick Deluxe, Captain Buckles Band Howlin’ Wolf - Rebirth Brass Brand IP Casino Biloxi - Willie Nelson Jazz Playhouse, The - Joe Krown, Soul Brass Brand Kerry Irish Pub - Chip Wilson, Hurricane Refugees

Le Bon Temps Roulé - Tom Worrell Maison, The - New Orleans Swinging Gypsies, Shotgun Jazz Band New Orleans Jazz Museum - Peter Nu NOSH: New Orleans Social House - Andrew Daniels + DJ CrushT Velvet Old Point Bar - Rick Trolsen, Gal Holiday, One Eyed Jacks - Tank & the Bangas + Sweet Crude Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Kevin Louis Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Nervous Duane, Jeremy Joyce, Justin Donovan Ruby’s Roadhouse - DJ Bobby Blaze Saint Roch Tavern - Afrodiziac’s Jazz Snug Harbor - Topsy Chapman & Solid Harmony Southport Hall - BLT Ball + PaperChase Three Muses - Matt Johnson, Doro Wat Jazz Band Tipitina’s - Maceo Parker Twist of Lime - Ugly + Papa Watzke and Alpha Rhythm Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends Saturday, February 10 Buffa’s - Doyle Cooper, Odd Fellows Rest Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra, Johnny Mastro Banks Street Bar - Ricky T & the Rockets Bar Redux - Elephant’s Gerald Blue Nile - Naughty Professor Bombay Club - Leroy Jones Casa Borrega - Martin Moretto Duo Checkpoint Charlie - Sheikhs of Arabi, Dirty Mouth Circle Bar - DJ Dudeses Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - New Breed Brass Band Dos Jefes - Sunpie & the LA. Sunspots Dragon’s Den - DJ Legatron Prime Dragon’s Den “Upstairs” - DJ Dizzi Evangeline - Lil Josephine & Rhodes Spedale Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Mike Fulton & Rick Trolsen Hi Ho Lounge - Pink Room Project House of Blues - Biz Markie House of Blues Restaurant - Geovane Santos Howlin’ Wolf - Rebirth Brass Band + Sexual Thunder

Jazz Playhouse, The - Stefon Moll, Michael Watson Kerry Irish Pub - The One Tailed Three Maison, The - Chance Bushman, Royal Street Winding Boys Marigny Brasserie - Cole Williams Band New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Seguenon Kone NOSH: New Orleans Social House - Andrew Daniels + DJ Crushed Velvet Old Point Bar - Chris Klein One Eyed Jacks - Big Freedia + Sweet Crude Rare Form - Jeremy Joyce, Will Dickerson, Justin Donovan Snug Harbor - Herlin Riley Quartet Three Muses - Arsene DeLay, Shotgun Jazz Band Tipitina’s - Galactic Sunday, February 11 AllWays Lounge - Sabertooth Swingers Buffa’s - Some Like It Hot, Little Coquette Bamboula’s - St. Louis Slim, New Orleans Ragweeds Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski Trio Bullet’s Sports Bar - John Pierre Checkpoint Charlie - Jim Smith Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Palmetto Bug Stompers, Monk Boudreaux Dos Jefes - The Michael Mason Band Dragon’s Den - Anuraag Pendyal, Church Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Mike Fulton & Chuck Brackman Hi Ho Lounge - TBC Brass Band + BateBunda + Rusty Lazer House of Blues - Anders Osborne & Friends House of Blues Restaurant - Keith Stone, Big Al, Jason Bishop Band Howlin’ Wolf - Dumpstaphunk, The Hot 8 Jazz Playhouse, The - Grayson Brockamp Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper, Paintbox Le Bon Temps Roulé - The Soul Rebels Maison, The - NOLA Jitterbugs, The Roamin’ Jasmine Old Point Bar - Tres Bien, Romy Kaye and Jeanne Marie Harris One Eyed Jacks - Big Freedia + Tank & the Bangas Press Street Station - Ben Polcer Ralph’s On the Park - Charlie Miller

Rare Form - Eight Dice Cloth, Steph Wall Snug Harbor - Alexey Marti & Urban Minds St. Charles Avenue Baptist Church - Dr. Michael White Superior Seafood - Harry Hardin, Tim Paco, & John Rankin Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Juju Child & The Hypnotic Roots Three Muses - Raphael et Pascal, Linnzi Zaorski Tipitina’s - Shovels and Rope Monday, February 12 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Helen Gillet Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel, Michael Mason Bamboula’s - G & the Swinging Gypsies, Smoky Greenwell Bar Redux - JD Hill & The Jammers Blue Nile - The Soul Rebels Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus Checkpoint Charlie - The Unnaturals Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Cyril Neville & Swamp Funk + The Fuel Dos Jefes - John Fohl Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman & Richard Scott Gasa Gasa - Grails Hi Ho Lounge - Bluegrass Pickin’ Party House of Blues Restaurant - Burris, Right Lane Bandits, Sean Riley Band Jazz Playhouse, The - Gerald French Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper, Roux the Day! Maison, The - Chicken & Waﬄes, The Royal Roses One Eyed Jacks - Quintron & Miss Pussycat Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Palm Court Jazz Band Rare Form - Nervous Duane, Quinn Sternberg Trio Snug Harbor - Charmaine Neville Band Southport Hall - Exhorder Three Muses - Monty Banks Tipitina’s - Galactic Tuesday, February 13 Buffa’s - Davis Rogan, Sherman Bernard, Vanessa Carr Bamboula’s - Damn Gina Trio Revival, Ruth Marie

St.Vincent Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Annie Clark (aka St. Vincent) brings her incredible live set to the Big Easy for a stop along her Fear the Future tour. See the artist heralded by Guitar World magazine as “the first truly 21st century guitar hero.” Mon., Feb. 19, $39+, 7 p.m., Civic Theatre, civicnola.com Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski, Joe Krown Trio Bullet’s Sports Bar - 7th Ward Warriors Checkpoint Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels, Suplecs, Zync Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Treme Brass Band Dos Jefes - Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman & Richard Scott House of Blues Restaurant - Dick Deluxe Trio, Michael Liuzza Jazz Playhouse, The - Grayson Brockamp

Maison, The - Gumbo Funk, Miss Mojo, Ashton Hines Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - Steve Yocum New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Richard Scott Ralph’s On the Park - Joe Krown Rare Form - Eight Dice Cloth, Steve Mignano Ruby’s Roadhouse - Supercharger Saenger Theatre - Yo Gotti + Moneybagg Yo Southport Hall - Intervals + Jason Richardson + Nick Johnston Three Muses - Tuba Skinny

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 AT CIVIC THEATRE ST. VINCENT “FEAR THE FUTURE TOUR”

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 AT CIVIC THEATRE BETH HART “FIRE ON THE FLOOR TOUR”

MONDAY, APRIL 9 AT CIVIC THEATRE OMD (ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 AT CIVIC THEATRE WEDNESD

THE WAILERS W/ ZANDER

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 AT CIVIC THEATRE

THE BLACK ANGELS & BLACK LIPS

THURSDAY, APRIL 26 AT CIVIC THEATRE (FRI & SAT ARE SOLD OUT!)

TREY ANASTASIO BAND

MONDAY, APRIL 30 AT CIVIC THEATRE THE DARKNESS “TOUR DE PRANCE TOUR” W/ DIARRHEA PLANET WEDNESDAY, MAY 2 AT CIVIC THEATRE

THE AFGHAN WHIGS & BUILT TO SPILL

W/ ED HARCOURT

MONDAY, JUNE 11 AT CIVIC THEATRE W/ MEN I TRUST

BELLE & SEBASTIAN

THURSDAY, JUNE 28 AT CIVIC THEATRE “FUNNY GAMES TOUR”

ANTHONLY JESELNIK

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 43

Dead&Company Deadheads unite! John Mayer and original Grateful Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir are coming to New Orleans for a rescheduling of their December 5 show, which now turns out to be a sneak peek at their 18-city 2018 summer tour! Sat., Feb. 24, $47+, 7 p.m., Smoothie King Center, smoothiekingcenter.com Wednesday, February 14 Buffa’s - Nattie Sanchez Bamboula’s - Mem Shannon, Sunshine Brass Brand Bombay Club - John Royen Casa Borrega - Martin Moretto Duo Checkpoint Charlie - T Bone Stone Circle Bar - The Iguanas Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men, Walter Wolfman Washington Dos Jefes - The George French Trio Dragon’s Den - Groove Therapy Open Mic Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman & Barry Foulon House of Blues Foundation Room - Michael Liuzza House of Blues Restaurant - Cary Hudson Jazz Playhouse, The - The Nayo Jones Experience Kerry Irish Pub - Chip Wilson Maison, The - The Function, New Orleans Jazz Vipers Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - Steve Yocum Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp New Orleans Museum - Dr. Michael Torregano Preservation Hall - Tornado Brass Band, Preservation All-Stars Ralph’s On the Park - Jeff Pounds Rare Form - Nervous Duane, Tchoups, Champion Swag Snug Harbor - Delfeayo Marsalis Three Muses - Leslie Martin, Hot Club Thursday, February 15 Buffa’s - Gumbo Cabaret, Tom McDermott and Matt Perrine Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra, Jenavieve Cook, James Williams Banks Street Bar - Slow Coyote & Pucusana Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski and Tim Laughlin Bullet’s Sports Bar - Kermit Ruffins Café Negril - Soul Project Checkpoint Charlie - Baby Boy Battles Circle Bar - Dark Lounge Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Bon Bon Vivant Dos Jefes - Stephanie Nilles Dragon’s Den - Austin Rapbaum Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Tom Fischer & Richard Scott Gasa Gasa - Busty & the Bass House of Blues - Lalah Hathaway House of Blues Restaurant - Jake Landry Jazz Playhouse, The - Ashlin Parker Trio, Brass-AHolics Kerry Irish Pub - The One Tailed Three Le Bon Temps Roulé - The Soul Rebels Maison, The - Dysfunktional Bone New Orleans Jazz Museum - Jefferson College Jazz Band NOSH: New Orleans Social House - Andrew Daniels + DJ Abibas Old Point Bar - Casa Azur

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One Eyed Jacks - Why? + Iron Mike Eagle Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Duke Heitger & Tim Laughlin Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Ralph’s On the Park - Joe Krown Rare Form - Joel Willson, Beardsley, Silent Life Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Terry & the Zydeco Bad Boys Snug Harbor - Mark McGrain Three Muses - Tom McDermott Varsity Theatre - Emancipator Ensemble Friday, February 16 Buffa’s - Phil Degruy, Ruby & The Rogues Bamboula’s - Co & Co Travelin’ Show BJ’s Lounge - Jackson & the Janks + Tasche Blue Nile - Kermit Ruffins Bombay Club - Larry Scala Bullet’s Sports Bar - The Pinettes Brass Band Casa Borrega - Los Caballeros del Son Checkpoint Charlie - Domenic, The Hubcap Kings Circle Bar - Natalie Mae & Gina Leslie Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tuba Skinny, Rotary Downs Dos Jefes - Vivaz! Dragon’s Den - Teddy Lamson, DJ RQ Away Frenchmen Hotel Rooftop Bar - DJ HollaGram Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Kevin Clark & Collin Myers Harrah’s Casino The Steakhouse - Jorge Laboy Hi Ho Lounge - Kuwaisiana House of Blues - Appetite for Destruction House of Blues Foundation Room - Jake Landry & Right Lane Bandits House of Blues Restaurant - Captain Buckles Band, Johnny Mastro Jazz Playhouse, The - Joe Krown, Quiana Lynell, Romy Kaye Kerry Irish Pub - Patrick Cooper, Three Le Bon Temps Roulé - Joe Krown Maison, The - Steve Lands, Ashton Hines, Raw Deal NOSH: New Orleans Social House - Andrew Daniels Old Point Bar - Rick Trolsen, Truman Holland One Eyed Jacks - Pedro the Lion + Marie/Lepanto Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Kevin Louis Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Nervous Duane, Marsellus, Key Sound Rock ‘n’ Bowl - The Boogie Men Ruby’s Roadhouse - Big Al & The Heavyweights Snug Harbor - Ellis Marsalis Quintet Southport Hall - Cerebral Drama + First Fracture + Nomad Three Muses - Royal Roses, Doro Wat Jazz Band Vaso - Bobby Love & Friends Saturday, February 17 Buffa’s - Doyle Cooper, Marc Stone, Connor Stewart Bamboula’s - Kala Chandra, Johnny Mastro

Banks Street Bar - Ricky T & the Rockets Bombay Club - Banu Gibson Casa Borrega - Los Caballeros del Son Checkpoint Charlie - Kristin Ford, Kenny Triche, Fumblebuckers Circle Bar - The Florida Rooms + Kelly Duplex Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Little Freddie King Dos Jefes - Sansonne, Krown & Fohl Dragon’s Den “Upstairs” - DJ Dizzi Evangeline - Lil Josephine & Rhodes Spedale Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Mike Fulton & Dave Ruffner The Steakhouse at Harrah’s Casino - Jorge Laboy Hey Cafe - The Rooks + Yung Vul and Zach Quinn Hi Ho Lounge - Pink Room Project House of Blues - The Bustout Jazz Band House of the Blues The Parish - The White Buffalo + Arum Rae House of Blues Restaurant - Geovane Santos, Shawn Williams Jazz and Heritage Center - Astral Project Jazz Playhouse, the - Tom Hook, Shannon Powell Quartet Kerry Irish Pub - Vali Talbot, Van Hudson Maison, The - Chance Bushman, Smoking Time Jazz Club Marigny Brasserie - Cole Williams Band New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Seguenon Kone NOSH: New Orleans Social House - El Congero Martí + DJ Torx Old Point Bar - Big Easy Playboys Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Duke Heitger Peaches Records - Slow Coyote Preservation Hall - Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Jeremy Joyce, Will Dickerson, Justin Donovan Rock ‘n’ Bowl - Bonerama Ruby’s Roadhouse - The Meanies Southport Hall - Puddle of Mudd + Akadia and Bending Three Muses - Debbie Davis, Shotgun Jazz Band Sunday, February 18 AllWays Lounge - Haruka Kikuchi Buffa’s - Mateo Ruiz de la Torre Bamboula’s - St. Louis Slim, New Orleans Ragweeds Bar Redux - Toby O’Brien & Dustin Mensinger Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski Trio Bullet’s Sports Bar - The Wizz Casa Borrega - John Lawrence Checkpoint Charlie - Jim Smith Circle Bar - Micah McKee, John Curry Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Palmetto Bug Stompers Dos Jefes - Gary Negbauer Dragon’s Den - Anuraag Pendyal, Church Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Mike Fulton & John Royen House of Blues The Parish - Mako + Night Lights House of Blues Restaurant - Jason Bishop Howlin’ Wolf - The Hot 8 Jazz Playhouse, The - Germaine Bazzle Kerry Irish Pub - Traditional Irish Session, Beth Patterson Maison, The - NOLA Jitterbugs, Hokum High Rollers Old Point Bar - Amanda Walker, Romy Kaye and Jeanne Marie Harris One Eyed Jacks - Julie Odell and Kathryn Rose-Wood Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Sunday Night Swingsters Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Press Street Station - Carl LeBlanc Ralph’s On the Park - Joe Krown Rare Form - Eight Dice Cloth, Steph Wall, Ace Snug Harbor - Michael Watson & Alchemy Superior Seafood - Harry Hardin, Tim Paco, & John Rankin Three Keys at Ace Hotel - Juju Child Three Muses - Raphael et Pascal, Linnzi Zaorski Tipitina’s - Robin Barnes Monday, February 19 Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits - Helen Gillet Buffa’s - Arsene DeLay, Antoine Diel Bamboula’s - Co & Co Travelin’ Show Bombay Club - David Boeddinghaus Circle Bar - Clint Johnson, The Stranger + Mom + Woof Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - John Boutte, Funk Monkey

Dos Jefes - John Fohl Dragon’s Den - DJ Ill Medina Dragon’s Den “Upstairs” - The Sabertooth Swingers Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman & Richard Scott Hi Ho Lounge - Bluegrass Pickin’ Party House of Blues The Parish - Andrea Gibson + Chastity Brown House of Blues Restaurant - Sean Riley, Sly Theard Jazz Playhouse, The - Gerald French Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge - Kermit Ruffins, Irvin Mayfield Kerry Irish Pub - 2 Sheets to the Wind Maison, The - Chicken & Waﬄes, The Royal Roses, Sierra Green & the Soul Machine Preservation Hall - Preservation Jazz Masters, Preservation All-Stars Rare Form - Nervous Duane, Alberta Sound Snug Harbor - Charmaine Neville Band The Civic Theatre - St. Vincent Three Muses - Bart Ramsey, Washboard Rodeo Tuesday, February 20 Buffa’s - Vanessa Carr Bamboula’s - Damn Gina, Jan Marie, Ruth Marie Bombay Club - Matt Lemmler Checkpoint Charlie - Jamie Lynn Vessels Chiba - Looka Here Circle Bar - Carl LeBlanc, The Blind Owls d.b.a. - Dinosaurchestra, Treme Brass Brand Dos Jefes - Tom Hook & Wendell Brunious Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Tom Fischer & Richard Scott Jazz Playhouse, The - The James Rivers Movement Kerry Irish Pub - Jason Bishop Maison, The - Cyrus Nabipoor Quartet, Gregory Agid Quartet Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - Steve Yocum New Orleans Jazz Museum - Down on Their Luck New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park - Richard Scott Preservation Hall - Preservation Legacy Band, Preservation All-Stars Ralph’s On the Park - Joe Krown Rare Form - Real Street Ragtet Snug Harbor - Todd Duke Trio Three Muses - Keith Burnstein, Gal Holiday Wednesday, February 21 Buffa’s - Open Mic Night ft. Nattie Sanchez Bamboula’s - Mem Shannon, Sunshine Brass Band Bombay Club - Josh Paxton Checkpoint Charlie - T Bone Stone Circle Bar - The Iguanas Crescent City Brewhouse - New Orleans Street Beat d.b.a. - Tin Men, Walter Wolfman Washington Dos Jefes - The George French Trio Dragon’s Den - Groove Therapy Open Mic Fritzel’s Jazz Pub - Chuck Brackman & Barry Foulon Gasa Gasa - Oh Jeremiah and Frankie Boots Hi Ho Lounge - Zigtebra + Baby Bats House of Blues Foundation Room - Michael Liuzza House of Blues Restaurant - Cary Hudson Howlin’ Wolf - McLovins Jazz Playhouse, The - Miss Sophie Lee Kerry Irish Pub - Tim Robertson Maison, The - The Gabrielle Cavassa Group Maison Bourbon Jazz Club - Steve Yocum Marigny Brasserie - Grayson Brockamp New Orleans Jazz Museum - Courtney Bryan and Gary Washington Palm Court Jazz Cafe - Lars Edegran & Topsy Chapman Preservation Hall - Joe Lastie, Preservation All-Stars Ralph’s On the Park - Joe Krown Rare Form - Nervous Duane, Tchoups, Champion Swag Snug Harbor - Terrance Taplin Three Muses - Leslie Martin, Schatzy Thursday, February 22 Buffa’s - Banu Gibson, Tom McDermott and Aurora Nealand Bamboula’s - Ben Fox Jazz Trio, Kala Chandra, Jenavieve Cook Bombay Club - Kris Tokarski and Evan Christopher Bullet’s Sports Bar - Kermit Ruffins Café Negril - Soul Project Checkpoint Charlie - Sandra Love Circle Bar - Dark Lounge ft. Rik Slave

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 45

Kolony Gras

Why Steve Aoki's Onstage Antics Feel at Home in New Orleans By Carolyn Heneghan Photos by Brian Ziff

ew Orleans at Carnival time: a land of misfit toys temporarily entranced in a state of vibrant revelry and decadent play. Weirdness is not only embraced, it’s encouraged. And when the masks go on, the freaks come out. Maybe that’s why Grammy-nominated DJ/ producer, record-label owner, and fashion designer Steve Aoki—a self-proclaimed outsider with a knack for over-the-top showmanship—feels at home here. “New Orleans is one of the most spiritual places in America,” Aoki said. “Once you step into this city, it’s a different vibe. You’re literally stepping into a whole different world.” Natives, transplants, and visitors alike recognize the allure that New Orleans has—especially during the Carnival season. The celebration of life and art and strangeness ties so many of our disparate traditions together. So, when Aoki assumes his position behind the decks at the Metropolitan Nightclub for ZOOLU 24 this Lundi Gras (February 12), his cake-throwing, crowdsurfing, lit-centric theatrics will be at home among

46 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

a crowd of oddballs and offbeat revelers. Aoki’s flair for crowd-hyping antics stems from his very DNA, as the son of the late Benihana restaurant chain founder and famed showboater Hiroaki “Rocky” Aoki. While at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Aoki first made a name for himself throwing underground dance parties in student housing. By his early 20s, Aoki had founded his own label, Dim Mak Records—named for his hero, Bruce Lee. After a slew of singles and collaborations, Aoki released his debut album Wonderland (2012). That record, along with his relentless global touring schedule, propelled Aoki into the top 10 of DJ Mag’s annual Top 100 DJs list in 2013. And after a series of albums, cross-genre collaborations, and earning a reputation for throwing cakes in his fans’ faces, he hasn’t left the top 10 since. Aoki credits his success, in part, to the behindthe-scenes work and planning that goes into making every one of his sets a memorable and engaging experience. That includes the Lundi Gras set that fans can expect when Aoki arrives with his 2018 Kolony Tour, in support of his latest

and fourth studio album, Steve Aoki Presents Kolony (2017). “There’s a lot of preparation that goes on outside of making new music, making new edits, working on stage and set design,” Aoki said. “I want to try different activities during the show that engage the crowd even more to this Kolony experience. So, we’ll see if some of these new ideas stick as good as the cake does.” Aoki’s commitment to amping up his crowd reflects New Orleans’s own penchant for communal revelry, with its very musical heritage grounded in call and response. And any Carnival costume veteran can appreciate the pressure and thrill of maintaining consistent inventiveness, while putting on an unforgettable show each and every time. “For me, I’m always trying to be inventive with my show, so if it’s not the cake, it’s something else,” Aoki said. “Or, I’m always trying to find something else that identifies my show uniquely against other artists.” “But I’ll tell you, it’s tough to find that ‘cake moment’ for an artist,” Aoki continued. “I feel very lucky to be able to do something that’s withstood the test of time and that people come back for again and again. I think I’ve caked 15,000 people at this point, if I calculate all the cakes.” “I’m telling you, it’s so strange” he added. “It’s just one of those things that’ll never get old.” With music as varied as the antics of his live performances, Aoki embarks on his latest tour in support of Kolony, an entirely hip hop- and trap-influenced album. Aoki has produced a number of hip-hop tracks in the past, but this album features an allstar cast of contemporary, festival lineupcharging lyricists like Gucci Mane, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Yachty, and Migos. This album concept is in stark contrast to albums like Neon Future I (2014), Neon Future II (2015), and Neon Future Odyssey (2016). These albums trend broader

in terms of overall genre, and feature collaborations and artist appearances from across the soundscape, from Linkin Park to Rivers Cuomo. But Aoki isn’t stopping at a hip hop concept album—his next single with Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee, due out February 2, will expand Aoki’s Latin music repertoire as well. But no matter what genre Aoki dabbles in that day, he has one central goal in mind. “When I’m in the studio—if I’m not working with a particular artist and we’re trying to get a certain vibe—for the most part, I’m going there to make this song so that people go f---ing crazy,” Aoki said. “I want people to go nuts. I don’t care where they are—in their car, working out in the gym, or definitely at one of my shows—I want them to be going 100 percent, listening to all my songs.” Think what you want about Aoki’s music or onstage shenanigans, but few places on this planet understand the concept of “revelry as true north” as deeply as New Orleans. And this Lundi Gras, when Aoki takes the stage to continue fueling the Mardi Gras mayhem, he’ll be in good company. “New Orleans is always something totally out there,” Aoki said. “You guys have just a whole different thing going on, and I love it. It’s actually really inspiring, you know?” “That’s why, when we do these tours, especially these bus tours, you get a sense of the landscape of America when you go to cities like New Orleans,” Aoki continued. “This is really different from Las Vegas, really different from L.A., really different from actually any other city in the world.” Oh, we know, Steve. Welcome to the greatest party on Earth. Read the full interview with Steve Aoki at whereyat.com and be sure to grab your tickets for ZOOLU 24 by visiting themetronola.com.

Celebrating our 5th year!

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John Barrowman Maisie Richardson- Sellers Legends of Legends of Tomorrow Tomorrow

Ross Marquand The Walking Dead

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Ray Park Star Wars Episode 1

Chris Sarandon The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jason Isaacs Harry Potter

Pom Klementieff Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Celebrities • Authors • Artists • Gaming Panels • Exhibitions • Cosplay Contest and so much MORE!

PENSACON.COM WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 47

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Puts on the Best 26.2-Mile Block Party in New Orleans By Kathy Bradshaw

’ve run five marathons so far. And frankly, it’s usually not much fun. Marathons are painful. They’re long. Every part of you ends up sore. And chafed. And exhausted. And sweaty. It’s bad for your shoes. And your joints. It’s a huge investment, of both money—at around $100 a pop just for the entry fee—and time, between months of training and the race itself (it takes me about five hours to finish one). But the feeling of accomplishment when crossing the finish line at the completion of the 26.2 miles of a marathon—or even “just” the 13.1 miles of a half marathon—is like no other. That part is fun. So are the bragging rights, and the celebratory box of donuts or entire king cakes afterwards (the average runner burns up to 3,000 calories during a marathon). I have some running gear imprinted with the slogan, “I love running, just not when

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I’m doing it.” Normally, that is very true. Except, perhaps, when it comes to a race in the Rock ‘n’ Roll series. These folks have been planning running races for over 20 years and now hold events in nearly 30 cities worldwide. I find it rather impressive that anyone can manage to make such grueling exercise pleasant, but Rock ‘n’ Roll does exactly that. And that is what I like about the organization and the events they put on. They put the fun back in mile 25. They distract you from thinking about that knee that’s throbbing or the fact that you still have 20 miles left to go. Teyva Sammet, the spokesperson for Rock ‘n’ Roll, explained, “Rock ‘n’ Roll marathons are all about making running fun. We appreciate the incredible physical challenge our runners have signed up for, and we want to do everything we can to make it as enjoyable as possible.”

From the live bands playing along the race course, the thousands of volunteers on the route offering everything from Powerade to first aid, to the smooth and easy organization of all their events, participating in one of the Rock ‘n’ Roll races is not only stress-free, but actually a fairly good time. If, that is, you like the feeling of your lungs burning, your legs giving out, and somebody taking a hammer to your knees for long, excruciating intervals. It’s a dull, ceaseless, ongoing pain—kind of like getting a very timeconsuming tattoo, passing a kidney stone, or being clawed by a cat on the same patch of skin for several hours straight. And you know that dream you have where you are trying desperately to escape from somewhere (or someone) in a hurry, but you can only move in slow motion, like your limbs are stuck in cement and can’t be lifted? That’s a little bit how it feels to run a marathon. But if you’re going to suffer anyway in the name of exercise, you might as well do it with live music accompaniment. Because even when you’re hitting rock bottom, you can still rock. This year, even more bands will be playing both during the race and at the post-race party, and the acts will be announced shortly. So just when you think you can’t run a single step further, the bands or the cheering crowds—offering you jazz, beer, mimosas, moral support, and a variety of baked goods—will uplift you. “The community support in the city is unparalleled,” Sammet said. We see

groups of people flocking to the streets to cheer on these runners and hand out their own kinds of on-course support. I’ve seen everything—beignets, Jell-O shots, king cake, martinis...” Many people sign up for races merely for the free stuff they’ll get, from medals to t-shirts to all-youcan-eat bananas. And if bling is your incentive, then you can’t go wrong with Rock ‘n’ Roll. You’ll get a great race t-shirt, a personalized bib, and unlimited free beer. There’s even chocolate milk at the finish (which is supposed to help with muscle recovery), and yes, bananas. The medals are big, heavy, and specially designed each year just for New Orleans (usually with either a music- or Mardi Grasrelated design). For 2018, Rock ‘n’ Roll is offering voodoo-themed medals. Not to mention, participants who take part in the full marathon will really be given the redcarpet treatment: a red carpet at the finish line and pizza and massages after the race. But if that’s not enough running-related goodies for you, there’s a giant “runner’s expo” before the race, where you can stock up on anything imaginable related to the sport of running, such as race-day vitamins and nutrients, running clothes, and 26.2 and 13.1 emblazoned across coffee mugs, t-shirts, and car magnets. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon New Orleans is always such a grand affair, complete with a two-day running expo, a big postrun after-party (aka “finishers fest”), and, of course, the race itself (which now also includes a 5k the day before the longerdistance races). And with approximately

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 49

“The community support in the city is unparalleled. We see groups of people ﬂocking to the streets to cheer on these runners and hand out their own kinds of on-course support. I’ve seen everything—beignets, Jell-O shots, king cake, martinis..."

-Teyva Sammet Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Spokesperson

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50 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

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20,000 people taking part this year, that makes for one heck of a shindig. Besides, that many people can’t be wrong—they know a good thing when they sign up for it. And I don’t want to be the only one to pass up on the festivities. Sammet calls the race a “26.2-mile block party” that is fun for runners, walkers, and spectators alike. In fact, because the Rock ‘n’ Roll races are so good, I get sucked in every time, against my better judgment. I’m in no shape to do a marathon this year; I haven’t been training enough; I’m tired. But I gave in to my Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and signed up anyway, for the third year in a row. Rather than deciding not to take part at all this year, I opted instead to try not to overdo it and just walk the marathon. I also could have planned to do the shorter half marathon, but that marathon glory (and free massage) is calling my name. Sammet said, “This race is a great one to sign up for, especially for the marathon, because, of all our races, it has the longest time limit [seven hours] and the course is very flat. So, it is great for beginners and people wanting to take it easy.” It brings in people from around the country and the world to take part in the event, and to take in a bit of New Orleans

while they’re at it. “For out-of-towners who are looking for somewhere to travel for their race, New Orleans has so much to offer tourists,” Sammet said. “It’s a great city to plan a ‘runcation.’” The Rock ‘n’ Roll 5k takes place on Saturday, March 3, 2018, followed by the marathon and half marathon the next day—Sunday, March 4. Getting into running and the training leading up to the race is a great opportunity to work off some of those Mardi Gras overindulgences. “Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll New Orleans is situated perfectly just a couple weeks after Mardi Gras and the Carnival season,” Sammet said. “So, it’s a perfect way to get back to your fitness goals and keep you focused through the festivities.” Just don’t give up carbs for Lent. You’re going to want to carb-load on pasta the night before the run, and you’ll really deserve those donuts after. (Incidentally, just to end with a word of advice: plan your pasta dinner well in advance. I’ve seen firsthand that nearly every Italian eatery within a 30-mile radius books up when Rock ‘n’ Roll—and 20,000 spaghetti-craving runners—come to town.)

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 51

Lakeside2Riverside

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

Mardi Gras Mask Market February 9-12

MARDI GRAS Family Gras Mardi Gras Plaza: Median on Veterans Boulevard, across from Lakeside Shopping Center Friday, February 2; 5 p.m. until the Krewe of Excalibur reaches the plaza Saturday, February 3; 11 a.m. until the Krewe of Caesar reaches the plaza visitjeﬀersonparish.com/events/ festivals/family-gras As its name suggests, this annual event is fun for the entire family—and absolutely free! Shop the art market, featuring framed artwork and photography by Louisiana artists, handcrafted jewelry, and much more. Children 12 and under will want to visit the Kids’ Court, with a variety of activities such as face painting and interactive games. There will also be many food and drink options to choose from in the Flambeau Food Court. But, of course, the icing on the king cake will be the fabulous entertainment, showcased on the Family Gras stage. This year’s artists include David Batiste and Deacon John on Friday, with the Imagination Movers and Remedy preceding pop-rock icons John Oates, Michael McDonald, and Cyndi Lauper on Saturday. Those wanting to get up close and personal (with backstage access and free meals) can purchase the two-day VIP Royal Pass for $125 at ticketmaster.com.

Mardi Gras Mask Market Dutch Alley: Decatur Street at Dumaine Street Friday, February 9 – Monday, February 12; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. frenchmarket.org Join artisan mask makers from all over the country for this 35th annual event in the heart of the French Market. Whether it’s for the parades or those forthcoming masquerade balls, there’s certain to be masks for all tastes available here. As with just about any New Orleans event, there will also be live music and great food and drinks for purchase. Bacchus Bash Generations Hall: 310 Andrew Higgins Ave. Sunday, February 11; 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. facebook.com/events/141424103240231/ The annual free Mardi Gras block party is back, where you can watch the epic superkrewe in style. Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow is Lundi Gras, and after this party stops, another one begins! Come jam to Mannie Fresh, DJ Taf, and DJ Wixx on the indoor Metro Stage, or rock out to live music by Flow Tribe, Category 6, The Top Cats, and Mungion on the outdoor stage. Either way, it’s an event you won’t want to miss, and you can bring the entire family. There will be tasty food options and great drink specials (21+), and as with most free festivals, you can kick it up an extra notch or two and purchase a VIP ticket that includes no-wait bathrooms and two premium open bars. Early bird tickets are $75, regular VIP is $100. You can purchase them at themetronola.com. t themetronola.com . Thoth Party (and Mardi Gras Indian Experience) Le Bon Temps Roule: 4801 Magazine St. Sunday, February 11; 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. lbtrnola.com Celebrate the amazing Krewe of Thoth with the worldfamous Mardi Gras Indians at Le Bon Temps Roule. This krewe is celebrating its 71st anniversary, from its humble origins with a 50-member parade and only five floats, to the mustwatch event that now consists of 50 Fam floats and over 1,600 riders. Revel in the ily humanitarian nature of Thoth’s founders, who designed an Uptown route that passed in front of no less than 14 institutions that cared for the sick and disabled. What better place is there to enjoy this one-of-a-kind parade than at the historic bar that has been there for every Krewe of Thoth parade since 1947?

SPORTS/ENTERTAINMENT Super Bowl LII Viewing Party Gordon Biersch: 200 Poydras St. Sunday, February 4; 5:30 p.m. gordonbiersch.com Looking for a place to watch the big game between the Pats and the Eagles? Like many Americans, you’re either ready to watch Tom Brady obtain his sixth ring or see the Eagles triumph by winning their first-ever Lombardi Trophy. Whatever your outlook, head on over to Gordon Biersch Brewery and Restaurant where you can enjoy the game on over 10 huge televisions, while simultaneously lamenting the end of the Saints season by indulging in one or all of their handcrafted signature brews! Oh, and their menu is to die for, and you can choose from such delectable 3 2 fare as the Gorgonzola Ribeye and y Gras Februar the Kobe Cheeseburger.

< Super Bowl LII February 4 CoﬀeeChamps Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans: 900 Camp St. Saturday, February 3 and Sunday, February 4; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. uscoﬀeechampionships.org

Do you like coffee? Is it an important, daily part of your existence? If you answered yes to either one of those questions, then you should come join this caffeine-packed weekend event, featuring one of two qualifying competitions (the other being held in Reno, Nevada) for the U.S. Coffee Championships in Seattle. Winners will then represent the U.S. at the World Coffee Championships. Coffee professionals from all over the country will compete as baristas, brewers, roasters, and tasters. This one-ofa-kind event also features a free café and roaster village, brewing demonstrations, a vendor marketplace, and so much more. Tickets are only $15 and are available online.

52 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

Zulu Lundi Gras Festival Woldenberg Park: 1 Canal St. Monday, February 12; 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. kreweofzulu.com Zulu’s 25th annual Lundi Gras Festival will continue its yearly tradition, which is to provide an exciting and fun-filled day of food, music, and arts and crafts along the breathtaking New Orleans riverfront. Featuring performances by the Rebirth Brass Band, Amanda Shaw, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers, and many more, the day wouldn’t be complete without a scheduled 5 p.m. appearance by the Zulu king and queen! This event, as always, is free and open to the public. That way, you can spend your hard-earned cash on the delicious food that will be sold from nearly 25 vendors such as Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant, The Original New Orleans Po-Boys, and Dunbar’s Creole Restaurant. For a full list of restaurants, activities, and entertainment, visit lundigrasfestival.com.

Starlight Racing New Orleans Fair Grounds: 1751 Gentilly Blvd. Friday, February 23; 5 p.m. fairgroundsracecourse.com/content/ StarlightRacing2017-18 Come check out Starlight Racing at the New Orleans Fair Grounds, celebrating their 146th season of Thoroughbred

racing. This year’s events feature an improved Miller Lite Beer Garden, featuring a Cheers replica bar with eight specialty brews on tap, as well as a stellar assortment of wine for lovers of the vine. Musical entertainment for the evening will be provided by Amy and Paul of Roux the Day at 6 p.m. in the Starlight Tent, and The Mixed Nuts at 7 p.m. in the Clubhouse. Hungry? Don’t worry, as there will be an assortment of popular local food vendors on hand to satisfy your cravings. General admission is $5, and tickets to the Clubhouse/Starlight Tent are $10. You can purchase them online at fgno.com/tickets.

Pensacon Pensacola Bay Center: 201 E Gregory St., Pensacola, FL Friday, February 23; 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, February 24; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday, February 25; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. pensacon.com If Wizard World New Orleans only whetted your appetite for celebrities and comic books, Pensacola is only three hours away, and they’re about to celebrate Comic-Con, Florida-style. Take a road trip down the coast to Pensacon for their 6th annual event and meet the original Incredible Hulk—Lou Ferrigno. He’ll be joined throughout the weekend by none other than Greedo (Paul Blake)—you know, the Rodian bounty hunter that Han did or didn’t shoot first, depending on what cut of Star Wars you’ve been watching. Also appearing are Adrienne Barbeau (Swamp Thing, Creepshow), Chris Sarandon (Fright Night), and pro-wrestler Amy Dumas (legendary WWE diva Lita). This four-venue event will also spill over into the Pensacola Grand Hotel, and the Rex and Saenger Theatres (yes, they have one too!). For a complete list of events, visit pensacon. com. Tickets are available to purchase at showclix.com,, where one-day passes range in price from $35–$45, $45, with three-day passes only $75. Children 10 and under get in free.

most distinctive artistic voices of her generation. Hailed as “the first truly 21st century guitar hero” by Guitar World magazine, she is the recipient of the Smithsonian American Ingenuity Award and the Q Maverick Award, both recognizing outstanding innovation in the arts. Her self-titled fourth album has won Album of the Year awards from six major publications, including Entertainment Weekly, and placed in the top five in Time and Rolling Stone. In 2017, she released Masseduction, which hit #1 on the year-end list in the New York Times. Judging from these accolades, the “future” looks very bright for St. Vincent and her rapidly expanding fanbase. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets for the 8 p.m. performance are $39 in advance, $169 VIP, and are available at ticketﬂy.com.

MUSIC

Pensacon February 23-25

St. Vincent: Fear the Future Tour The Civic Theatre: 510 O’Keefe Ave. Monday, February 19; 7 p.m. ilovestvincent.com Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Annie Clark (aka St. Vincent) has one of the

St. Vincent February

Dead & Company Smoothie King Center: 1501 Dave Dixon Dr. Saturday, February 24; 7 p.m. deadandcompany.com/events Fans of John Mayer and the Grateful Dead can rejoice, because their show, rescheduled from December 5, is nearly here. In the fourth year of their highly successful collaboration, Mayer and original Dead members Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and Bob Weir are taking the Grateful Dead’s storied music catalogue to new heights and delivering it to old and new fans alike. You’ll want to catch them now, because the closest their just-announced summer 2018 tour will bring them to the Crescent City is Atlanta. Tickets for the canceled show in December be honored at this performance. For all 19 will other fans, tickets start at $47 and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

FAMILY GRAS where music meets majesty CARNIVAL, COSTUMING & FREE CONCERTS February 2 & 3 - 2018

CYNDI LAUPER 0 MICHAEL McDONALD 0 JOHN OATES imagination movers 0 DeaCon JoHn & tHe ivories DAVID BATISTE & THE GLADIATORS 0 REMEDY Jefferson Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc.

For details & information on a VIP Experience go to www.FamilyGras.com

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 53

Single and Ready to Mingle

Bike Ride Through City Park

10 Ideas for Single People in New Orleans on Valentine’s Day By Julie Mitchell

ave you had sex with three different people named Matt in the last year? Do you only go on Tinder when you’re drunk and play it like a video game, then have to deal with messages from guys in business school asking, “How curvy?” Have you tried explaining to straight girls that they can’t identify as queer if they only try to hook up with women when their ex-boyfriend posts something about his “journey” on Instagram? Did you just get out of a twoyear relationship with a man who may or may not have worked out because he was technically married for the first half of it? We’ve all been there! Whether you’re sad about being single, or empowered to be single, or sad but pretending you’re empowered, or empowered but pretending you’re sad, give yourself a gift this Valentine’s Day. Just embrace it. In so many ways, society prioritizes relationships because they

promote wealth and are an accepted/ easy narrative of love, but not having them is great, too. This year, embrace the nothingness that everything is spiraling towards anyway. Take yourself on a date! Alone. Without another person. Here are some fun ideas of things to do in the city on Valentine’s Day when you’re single: 1. Gene’s Parking Lot Yes, the small one that only has three diagonal spots between the food part and the daiquiri part of Gene’s, where, if you’re not careful, your car can get trapped for the better part of an hour. First of all, Beyonce’s been there. So maybe you’ll see Beyonce. Stranger things have happened. Second, you’re in a great spot here to remember all the books you like to read. Did you

remember that you like reading? It’s not very valued in relationships because you can’t do it with another person (and please don’t try, gross), and people just try to see on first dates if they want to screw you based on the dead men you’ve read. But by itself, it’s very good and you like it. Don’t read here, you’ll look literally insane, but just stand and remember. Then get a daiquiri with an extra shot and masturbate to literotica online when you get home. Look at how cultured you are! Bonus: You’re very far from any restaurant that has tea candles on all the tables, so the likelihood of seeing aggressive handholding here is low. Gene's Curbside Daiquiris/Gene’s PoBoys, 1034 and 1040 Elysian Fields Ave., (504) 309-4634/(504) 943-3861

A February to Remember. Whether you’re celebrating a special love or just enjoying the company of close friends, NOPSI has you covered during the month of February.

VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER Public Service Restaurant | February 14 | 5:30pm – 10:30pm Four course prix fixe menu, complimentary glass of champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries. For reservations call 504-962-6527.

SINGLES AWARENESS DAY CELEBRATION Above the Grid | February 14 What’s love got to do with it? Gather your friends and join us at Above the Grid for a night of non-romantic festivities, like a sing along as we play “Scrubs” on repeat (kidding... kind of).

HAPPY HOUR ALL MONTH LONG Monday – Friday | 4:00pm – 6:00pm Join us at Above the Grid, Public Service and underCURRENT.

For more information visit nopsihotel.com or call 504.962.6500.

SalamanderHotels.com

54 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

2. Bike Ride Through City Park Have you ever wanted to go on a bike ride, but someone else didn’t have their bike? Or didn’t own a bike at all? Or didn’t even know how to ride a bike? The only thing you need to worry about now is yourself and Donald Trump’s Twitter, but let’s forget that one for a second. The park is so beautiful and serene, and if you go just at the right time, you can see some tourists NOM A eating their first beignets while they don’t think about how unethical Airbnb is at all! Also, how many times did you not wear your helmet because you thought it didn’t look cute or would mess up your hair? Now that you’re single, you can protect yourself from a fatal brain injury at ANY time, because who cares? Protect that noggin! (Also, people look cute in helmets.) City Park, 1 Palm Dr., (504) 482-4888, neworleanscitypark.com 3. New Orleans Museum of Modern Art (NOMA) Lots of the museums are free for

residents on Wednesday, so take yourself there. Read the captions of people who died after being rejected by their lovers, or drank themselves into oblivion because someone didn’t return their scroll or whatever, and feel the freedom of not having to worry about that at all. Now, find the people who lived alone in the woods. Good art, right? Has anyone in love ever made any good art? Probably not; they’re too busy trying to rearrange the one blanket they’re both sharing. Just get another blanket! NOMA, 1 Collins Diboll Cir., (504) 658-4100, noma.org 4. Port of Call Did you think that eating half a pound of beef and a full baked potato was only for people in love? Think again. There’s no better way to assert your dominance over singledom than by showing it that you can consume a hamburger with the weight of a small dog. Get in there! Bonus: There’s always a line, but you know the number of seats it’s always fastest to find? One. You’ll be in and out before some of these idiots realize they’re screwing someone whose middle name they don’t even know. Port of Call, 838 Esplanade Ave., (504) 523-0120, portofcallnola.com

5. Prytania Theatre Did you know that on Wednesday mornings, the Prytania shows old movies for $5? And did you know that at 10:00 a.m. in Uptown, you can see middle-aged couples regretting every life choice they’ve ever made? It’s not 9:00 a.m., when everyone is busy waking up and getting to work, and it’s not 11:00 a.m., when people are looking forward to lunch. 10:00 a.m. is the witching hour for examining your life and finding it lacking, ESPECIALLY for realizing that you have to compromise with someone named after a boat about what to order when you get Chinese food. When you’re single, nothing is a compromise. Everything is exactly what you want! Do you want that movie theater butter even though you know it’s just thick yellow dye? Get it! Do you want Junior Mints because they’re the only candy your mom used to eat that isn’t red licorice and Po r t o f that means something to you? Get them! 10:00 a.m. is our time. Prytania Theatre, 5339 Prytania St., (504) 891-2787, theprytania.com

6. Kajun’s Pub If you thought karaoke was a group activity, I understand where you’re coming from, but you’re wrong. Think about it, what’s the only bad part about karaoke? The shame of messing up in front of people we love! Because who could love you after hearing you go sharp on the male part of “Summer Lovin’”? Probably no one. BUT, all you have to do is remove that part (people you love) and only the good parts are left. You have a perfect singles’ activity. No more waiting for everyone to go up at least once to sign up for your second song, no more having to buy shots for everyone every time you get up to get one; only the pure true love of you on an empty stage with the background noise of a Rihanna song surrounding you. If you’re asking yourself, “But who would I look at for strength while I sing?” YOURSELF, BITCH! Stare into your own shiny dead eyes in the reflection of an empty Corona bottle that is ALWAYS on that table closest to the stage (how Call is it always there?) and finally SEE yourself, maybe for the first time. Kajun's Pub, 2256 St. Claude Ave., (504) 947-3735, kajunpub.com

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.

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 55

Fulton Alley

Join us for Val entine’s Day!

Enjoy our à la carte menu as well as a Valentine’s Day Special!

www.a ntoines.com | 504-581-4422 713 Ru e Saint Louis New Orl ea ns, LA 70130 56 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

7. Fulton Alley your real estate license. The only soulmate Bowling! Bowling is so much fun. Imagine we have is our sense of self-worth! being able to do it without having to wait 15 to 20 minutes in between turns. Imagine 9. CVS if you were all the turns. Look, here’s what You heard me. There’s chocolate and wine you do. Wake up early. Put on some good in there, and beautiful heart decorations socks (but not too good, these are that you are allowed to get. There’s no for rental shoes). Take an Uber law that says you can’t. Get them cause it’s cheaper than and decorate your house for paying for parking. Are we yourself. Or your feminist inside a hotel, having book club. Or your dog an affair with the who will appreciate it mayor? Is this a bank subconsciously. Part in outer space? No. of the fun things That’s just what about holidays is Fulton Alley looks that the world looks like. It’s cool in different for a day there! Buy a lane. and you don’t have to Enter yourself for all be included, or even the players and have practicing whatever some fun with it. Do the holiday is about, you want each person to experience that. to be a different Mariah Christmas lights? There’s Carey album? The cast of no gene where Jewish Friends? Cat names you people can’t see those. Kajun's Pub are deciding between? It Those are for everyone. So, get can be anything you want. Now, some sparkly red and pink hearts, order some chicken strips and a pitcher hang them up, and be happy you’re alive! of beer that YOU like. This day is about you. Put on Missy Elliot and dance while you drink Fulton Alley, 600 Fulton St., (504) 208an entire bottle of red wine. It’s heart healthy. 5593, fultonalley.com CVS, Various Locations, cvs.com 8. Pirate Alley/Jackson Square Have you ever wondered what your future holds? Did you know that there’s a woman right now wearing a wrap skirt and a bandana sitting at a folding table in the Quarter who knows what it is? Go get your fortune read! A fun strategy is to tell them a fake name first, so you can tell if they’re legit; only listen to the one who guesses you gave them a fake name. Sit down. See what the ancient art of tarot has to say about that weird sext you got CV from your old coworker. SP har Ask her if you should get ma

10. Cemetery Why not? Check it out; it’s where we’re all going anyway. (Unless you want to be cremated or turned into a tree or “never found.”) There is something poetically balanced about doing Halloween stuff on Valentine’s Day when you’re single, which is why I highly recommend a horror movie marathon with lots of candy and only the friends you like. Happy Valentine’s Day! New Orleans Cemeteries, Various Locations, saveourcemeteries.org

St c y, Canal

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Tiraditos

The “Rico”

Esmeralda Salad

Unique Tropical Cocktails!!! Full Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free and kids menus!

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Local farm-fresh produce, certiﬁed sustainable seafood and humanely-raised meats

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 57

Mini Golf at City Putt

Valentine’s Day Plans for Couples in New Orleans By Julie Mitchell

o, you’re in love. Congratulations! But there’s always that question every Valentine’s Day: it’s the one day a year I have to prove to my partner (and the world!) that I love him. What do I do? How? Where? I know you’re asking yourself, “Can’t I just play her every Mariah Carey song? Why not?” First of all, you can totally do that. But also, people like to leave the house sometimes, so that should be part of the plan as well. So please peruse, enjoy, and feel free to steal these suggestions for things to do in New Orleans as a couple on Valentine’s Day. 1000 Figs I had to write this one first, because you have to get there right now. You actually should have gone there yesterday. 1000 Figs is so perfect and delicious, but only fits six humansized people inside the restaurant, including staff. So, there will be a fight to the death among 10 0 0 every couple in New Orleans to decide who gets to eat a perfect Mediterranean feast on Valentine’s Day. I suggest using your elbows wisely, and, once you’ve won, try the Brussels sprouts. 1000 Figs, 3141 Ponce De Leon St., (504) 301-0848, 1000ﬁgs.com

58 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

Kayaking Sharing your life with someone is one thing, but sharing a small boat is another. Have you ever been surrounded by water and the only way you can achieve movement is by depending on the person you love? Kayaking! (Or canoeing.) They have them for rent along the bayou, or right by NOMA in City Park. What better way to test your love (isn’t that basically what Valentine’s Day is, anyway?) than this? Grab some beers, and float (or paddle) to your heart’s content. Don’t bring up any family stuff. Mini Golf at City Putt What is romance? Is it a candlelit dinner with champagne and roses? Is it sultry slow music on a record player with musky sweet scents permeating the room? Is it someone nuzzling your neck and tracing the lines of your body with a single finger? Or Figs is it a made-to-scale model of a lighthouse? Is it artificial grass and the bright plastic neon of a rental golf ball? Don’t just let some Hollywood exec sell you his idea of romance, define it for yourself! Put yourself in the driver’s seat of your own life and a miniature golf

Kayaking at City Park

cart, and bring the love of your life to the small rental oasis that is a mini golf course. Learn some cool Louisiana facts from some well-placed placards and bask in the February sun shining down from above. Breathe in that crisp, clean air and pummel a dimpled ball into oblivion, or a sand trap, whichever comes first. City Putt Miniature Golf Course in City Park, 8 Victory Ave., (504) 483-9385, neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/ city-putt

Get Drunk At Your House Remember what I said before about going outside and how people like it? Sometimes, I’m wrong. Bring the outside to you. Go to Costco and get one million flowers, put them everywhere. Get a Marie Callender’s chicken pot pie (the good one), a case of champagne, and a DVD copy of your favorite romantic movie. Date night at the house is great because everything’s free in there. Get some fancy-detail things you don’t normally get to make it feel special, like a bowl of fresh cherries for drinks or some Us Weekly’s you can spread out on the coffee table. Nothing will make you feel good about your love like reading about someone’s third marriage not working out. Invite some friends over and have a Valentine’s Day dance party. Remember to play at least one Selena song.

Dog Bar Drinking in public? Great. Drinking in public with someone you love? Wonderful. Drinking in public with someone you love, and every time you reach out, you can touch a sweet angel and see how his paws are too big for his body? Perfection. Valentine’s Day is about love, and no one on this Earth is better at love than a dog. The Bulldog Fake a Proposal at in Mid-City (or the one the Riverwalk Uptown, whichever’s Wouldn’t it closer; OR, you be fun to get could drive to proposed both, scope out to? Not the the dog talent wedding at both, and and weird see which you tax forms like more) is and inviting the perfect aunts who place to kick you haven’t back, talk to talked to in your loved three years one about just so you something that’s can pay $27 happening on for them to eat a TV, sip some of the plate of chicken, but devil’s juice, and pet the proposal itself! a good boy (or girl). Someone getting Love will be in the air down on one knee, The Bulldog EVERYWHERE you look the declaration of love, around. (In my best Men’s tears, the excitement of Wearhouse voice): You’re gonna like the strangers at witnessing this huge dogs you see, I guarantee it. moment—guess what, you can have all of The Bulldog Mid-City, 5135 Canal Blvd., that! Just fake a proposal. It’s fun for you (504) 488-4191; guys. Maybe if you do it at a restaurant, The Bulldog Uptown, 3236 Magazine St. you’ll get a free meal or dessert; you bask (504) 891-1516, draftfreak.com in all the joy and love, then once you

leave, it’s over! Best of both worlds. The Riverwalk is especially beautiful, and there are a lot of women buying expensive handbags over there, so they are looking for love at every corner and will appreciate this display. Use a class ring/ some ring you already have; no one can judge a proposal ring out loud, they HAVE to be supportive and happy. Good luck! The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, 500 Port of New Orleans, (504) 5221555, riverwalkneworleans.com

but since this year Valentine’s Day is a Wednesday, it will be at Carrollton Station at 9:00 p.m. Get over there! Carrollton Station, 8140 Willow St., (504) 865-9190, carrolltonstation.com

Heavy Petting at a Movie Theater If you think that says, “heavy petting at a movie theater,” you’re reading it wrong. I would never encourage someone to do a sex act in public. It’s hyperbole for saying, “Surprise your partner!” Lull them into a false sense of security with Go to a Comedy Open Mic a plan that seems ordinary and sleepy You know when you’re at home trying and boring, and put a special twist on it to decide what to watch on Netflix that is surprising and fun. If that plan happens to be giving and you’ve already cycled through all the comics them pleasure at a movie you know and now theater, I guess I you’re deciding can’t stop you, but know that I’m not if you should take a chance encouraging on someone that in any way. British? This is You could ask them to play the moment when you Scrabble at put your coat the house, then surprise on and go to a standthem with a kitten you up open adopted in mic. There’s their honor alcohol there, and named and it’s like Raisin, or pretend 20 different to open a book, but people for three really it’s hollowed minutes instead out and there’s a of one person for full-size Snickers bar an hour. So, if you Car in there! Just surprise don’t like it, you don’t n rollton Statio them, whatever that means have to keep trying to find to you. something new. They change the channel for you. On themselves. If you Obviously, there’s more traditional truly want to know in your heart whether ones, like take them to a concert, or day the person you’re with is the ONE, take drink at a pool, or go on a long drive them to a stand-up comedy open mic through the country/swamp/woods and and sit in the front row. You get a lot have a picnic; day trip to the beach; make of fun questions, like about where you them breakfast, etc. etc. But we wanted work from five different people, and then to open your eyes to all the possibilities random solicitations of opinions, such as, “Do you know about polyamory?” and “If that Valentine’s Day truly has to offer. Have fun and be in love! you were going to kill yourself, how would you do it?” Take a chance, you cowards! You can go to the website nocomedy. com to find which ones are which nights,

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 59

Food News

Passing the torch … When Flaming Torch was severely damaged in a fire, many thought owner Zohreh Khaleghi would leave the restaurant business for sure. But here we are almost a year later, and Khaleghi has teamed up with her friend Vyoone Therese Lewis to open a new restaurant in the Warehouse District dubbed, interestingly enough, Vyoone's. The menu is similar to that of a French bistro, with dishes like mussels, escargot, coq au vin, and seafood bouillabaisse. Though I am never one to complain about an abundance of French food, I can only hope Khaleghi might bring back the Persian lunch menu that was featured so briefly at Flaming Torch. 412 Girod St., (504) 518-6007, vyoone.com

By Kim Ranjbar

Along the line … Chef Bradley McGeehee and his wife Stephanie recently opened a second location of their popular breakfast and sandwich shop, Blue Line Sandwich Co., this time in the Central Business District on S. Rampart. Taking over the brick building that once housed Mexican restaurant Las Margaritas, the new Blue Line will feature much of the same menu that can be found on Metairie Road, only this location has a lot more space: 5,000 square feet that includes a patio out back. Blue Line Sandwich Co. is open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. 514 S. Rampart St., (504) 581-4966, bluelinesandwichco.com Spicing up the shack … Keepin' it crunchy, a new Tex-Mex restaurant recently launched in Gentilly, dubbed Catty Shack, just down the way from Toast Fairgrounds on Gentilly Boulevard.

Blue Line Sandwich Co.

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Chef and owner Catherine Smith offers “tacos and whatnot,” like the Big Daddy with smoked brisket and cotija, the Catty Fish with fried catfish and cabbage, and the Crispy Lentilly with seasoned lentils and guacamole in a crispy taco shell. 1839 Gentilly Blvd., (504) 372-3150, facebook.com/CattyShackTexMex Willy Wonka? No way! … Piety & Desire Chocolate, a chocolate factory and shop by Christopher Nobles, opened not too long ago on South Broad. The entire chocolatemaking process (excluding growing the trees) happens right there, from roasting the beans and grinding the cacao to forming and selling the chocolate itself—“bean-to-bar.” We're still wondering where he keeps the Oompa Loompas and chocolate waterfall, but as soon as we know, you'll know. 2727 S. Broad St., pietyanddesirechocolate. com The silver hammer … Inch by inch, little by little, New Orleans is seeing a growth in health-focused cafés that are slowly but surely infiltrating the butter-sauced and deep-fried fare we all know and love. As part of that effort, Max Well New Orleans opened its doors on the corner of Magazine and Webster Streets. Owner MaxWell Eaton launched this new “organic plant-food” café, featuring salads and bowls like the Hippie Salad with cherry tomatoes and pumpkin seeds or the Lentil Kitchari with mung beans and yellow onions. The vegan eatery also features simple vegan soups and fresh juices. Max Well is open daily

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AcmeOyster.com 60 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

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from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 6101 Magazine St., (504) 301-0510, maxwellneworleans.com Do the hokey poke … And just as you turn yourself around, there pops another poke restaurant on S. Claude Avenue. According to Gambit, Poke-Chan offers a variety of different bowls and wraps with cooked and raw toppings and signature dishes, from The Tamarind Scallion with yellowtail, bay scallops, and sweet onions to The Karaage with Japanese-style fried chicken and kimchi. PokeChan is open every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. 2809 St. Claude Ave., (504) 571-5446, pokechan.com Did she say lunch? … In an effort to expand support for culinary entrepreneurs, Roux Carré has launched an accelerator program called, interestingly enough, Launch Pod. The program is four months long and “encompasses weekly one-on-one business development sessions, a culinary-focused workshop series called Mise en Place (also open to the public), and a 12-day pop-up showcase in our space.” All participants will finish the program with invaluable business knowledge and experience, plus a finished business plan, permits, licensing, and insurance. Currently, the food-biz incubator is hosting Melissa Araujo and Pepper Bowen of Alma, Aaron Washington of Local Menu NOLA, Kim Dejan of KD's NOLA Treats, Dianna Beasley of Ms. Beasley's Healthy Food Truck, and Lisa Nelson of Queen Trini Lisa. 2000 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., (504) 875-

4293, rouxcarre.com Wherever you go, there you are … Longtime chef and restaurateur Duke LoCicero, whom recently shuttered his French Quarter spot Café Gionvanni, accepted a position as the executive chef of Mr. John's Steakhouse back in September of 2017. But we recently received news that LoCicero has split the steakhouse after only four months and has begun working for N'Tinis, an American restaurant in Mandeville owned by Mark and Donna Benfatti. 2891 US Hwy 190, Ste., D, Mandeville, (985) 626-5566, ntinis.com So sad to see you go … Addio! … Chef Michael Gulotta of MoPho and Maypop has closed Tana, the Italian installment named after his great grandmother inside Tulane Avenue bar Trèo. Not your average bar grub, Tana offered dishes like charred broccoli with cured kumquat and corn flour garganelli with charred octopus … we're sorry to see it go. But fear not! Clesi's, the seafood spot which used to have a window on Banks Street, is taking up the slack with fried seafood and boiled crawfish. Not so happy a new year … Phillip Lopez's incredibly creative forefronts of dining in New Orleans shuttered their doors on New Year's Eve. Root and Square Root announced their departure via an Instagram from bar manager Waites Lasetar, who posted, “We are so proud of what we have created here, but fully aware that growth can only occur from death.” May you rise again...

Poke-Chan WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 61

Le's Baguette Banh Mi Café's Pork Belly Bao

20 and Under

Bao, wow!

By Kim Ranjbar

discovering the hidden pocket of deliciously hinese New Year starts just a few sweet and savory pork in my first bite; it is an days after Mardi Gras this year on experience not easily forgotten. Thankfully, it Friday, February 16, kicking off the year is an experience I can relive again and again, of the brown dog, hence my snarky title. even though I no longer live in the Bay Area, Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, since over the past several years, there has I am no stranger to the festivities, which been a literal proliferation of bao on local include elaborate red and gold dragons menus. dancing through the streets of Chinatown Vietnamese restaurant Le's Baguette with fireworks popping at their feet, Banh Mi Café, which recently opened twanging drums and clashing symbols, Uptown on Dryades, features pho, egg rolls, the consumption of noodles (for banh mi, and vermicelli bowls, plus longevity) and egg rolls (for a good selection of bao, like wealth), and my favorite their signature five-spice “hongbao,” the little pork belly, lemongrass red envelopes meant chicken, fried oyster, to symbolize good and tofu all wrapped luck. Every year, with cilantro the Wons, a and julianned Chinese family vegetables. At only across the street $7 for two bao, who practically feel free to try a became part of couple of different our family over flavors and throw the years, would in a café sua da hand out hongbao while you're at it. to all the kids—a Over at Pho gift that would often Bistreaux on the enclose a shiny silver corner of S. Carrollton dollar. and Oak, they have a Ba o Though they aren't pretty good selection of o& Ba bao. Though I can't seem g a typical Chinese New Noo n dle's Rouso Year dish, I am nevertheless to resist their grilled shrimp reminded of my first taste of char com, I usually also grab an order of siu bao—standing in the Wons' kitchen, their grilled pork “sliders,” a.k.a. bao … not grasping the sweet, fluffy bun in my hands, only because they're tasty, but also because

62 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

they're less than $6 an order! with delectable scallion pancakes and teaAnother wonderful Vietnamese spot, Pho smoked duck, Bao & Noodle features a Cam Ly down on Magazine Street, offers “Rousong Bao” stuffed with scallions, mayo, “steamed sliders” at less than $6 per order, and pork; and fried steamed bao that but they have a couple more interesting combine the best of both worlds (both crispy options. Along with grilled pork, and fluffy) and are filled with ground tofu, and shrimp, they have pork, ginger Chinkiang vinegar, spicy Chinese sausage and soy sauce. He even and grilled pork offers a vegan version patties. with mung beans On Maple and mock duck in Street, Ba Chi a yellow curry. At Canteen calls only $5 for an their bao order of two, this “bacos” (bao is your best bet + taco) and yet. offers a huge Up on selection, Magazine Street from coconut near Napoleon curry and Avenue, recently katsu chicken opened ramen to ponzu shop Nomiya shrimp and also offers bao. sweet chili tofu. Though their menu With almost 30 is simple and mostly different bao to ramen, they do offer Ph choose from at rs buns stuffed with pork, oB de thick-sliced cucumber, i around $3.50 each, l istr kS eaux you could easily sample and Japanese mayo at $7 's Grilled Por several different flavors in one for an order of two. sitting and settle on your favorite … As you can see, there are many that is, unless you love them all. restaurants offering bao in the Greater Down in the Bywater, you can score a New Orleans Area—far more than the few I more traditional version of char siu bao from mentioned. Where do you find the best bao the neighborhood Chinese spot dubbed for your buck? Bao & Noodle, owned and operated by Gung Hay Fat Choy (a.k.a. Happy New Herbsaint alum Chef Doug Crowell. Along Year)!

Nomiya's Pork Bao

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 63

WOW Café Doubletree delivers award-winning wings at over 70 locations nationwide. Their custom sauces are influenced by flavors from around the world, and are available for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. 300 Canal St., 212-3250, wowcafe.com

RestaurantGuide African

Asian

Bennachin has been serving vegan- and vegetarianfriendly West African fare for 25 years. This cozy, intimate eatery also offers a BYOB policy. 1212 Royal St., 522-1230

Bao & Noodle was opened in 2014 by Herbsaint veteran Doug Crowell and his wife Asia Wong. Their regional Chinese dishes use primarily Cantonese recipes. 2700 Chartres St., 272-0004, baoandnoodle. com

American

Five Happiness is a modern Asian restaurant with a selection of 20 different chicken dishes and house specialties including House Baked Duck and Shrimp with Honey Roasted Pecans. 3605 S. Carrollton Ave., 482-3935, ﬁvehappiness.com

Apolline makes diners feel at home in a doubleshotgun turned restaurant. Their use of local ingredients offers a modern twist on classic Louisiana dishes. 4729 Magazine St., 894-8881, apollinerestaurant.com Bayou Hot Wings delivers one of the hottest chicken wings in the city; beat their challenge to eat 10 of them in five minutes and win a free t-shirt! 6221 S. Claiborne Ave. #104, 662-9933, bayouhotwings.com City Diner serves a full menu including alcohol 24/7, featuring items such as Crab Cakes Benedict and enormous pancakes stuffed with cream cheese and chocolate chips. 3116 S. I-10 Service Rd. East, 8311030, citydiner.biz Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant is a casual bar and grill, featuring a dog-friendly outdoor patio, trivia on Tuesdays, and Ladies Night every Wednesday from 4:00 until 9:00 p.m. 435 Huey P. Long Ave., 368-1114, gattusos.net Liberty Cheesesteaks serves their signature sandwich on bread imported from Philadelphia. Since its inception, the restaurant has expanded in space, in addition to now offering beer and wine. 5041 Freret St., 875-4447, libertycheesesteaks.com Poppy’s Time Out Sports Bar is a sports bar and grill with over 20 beers on tap, 21 big-screen TVs, “Voodoo Juice,” and an outdoor patio overlooking the Mississippi River. 500 Port of New Orleans Pl. #80, 247-9265, poppystimeoutsportsbar.com Sala is a fantastic restaurant owned by the Riccobono family. Their knowledgeable staff specializes in wine and cocktail pairings, and Sala now also serves lunch. 124

Apolline Lake Marina Ave., 513-2670, salanola.com Spudly’s Super Spuds are known for the best baked potatoes, like the seafood loaded “Super Duper,” but their menu also features a variety of soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. 2609 Harvard Ave., 4553250, spudlys.com Tasty Treats Food Truck & Restaurant is a food truck and event hall that specializes in serving New Orleans's tasiest treats, like flavored hot wings and baked mac and cheese. Be sure to try their deviled eggs. 5000 Old Gentilly Rd., 237-5875

Green Tea originally opened in NYC in 2008. It’s new location serves crowd-pleasing lo mein and General Tso’s Chicken, in addition to healthy options prepared with vegetable oil. 3001 Napoleon Ave., 899-8005, greenteanola.com Ikura offers sushi, ramen, and hibachi all in one place. Their ramen uses classic tonkotsu-style broth, and hibachi comes with generous sides of rice, noodles, and soup. 310 N. Carrollton Ave., 485-5658 Kyoto II features unique specials such as sea urchin, king salmon, and giant clams. You can request brown rice or no rice for any of their sushi rolls. 5608 Citrus Blvd., 818-0228, facebook.com/kyoto2nola Mikimoto caters to every sushi fanatic with a variety of sushi, sashimi, and speciality rolls, like the fan favorite “Geaux Saints Maki Roll,” all for a reasonable price. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., 488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

The Country Club boasts one of the city’s best wine programs, featuring over 140 bottles from 13 countries. The recently renovated interior maintains the charm of this Bywater gem. 634 Louisa St., 945-0742, thecountryclubneworleans.com

Miyako is an 8,000 square-foot Japanese seafood and steak restaurant that boasts a hibachi grill, fantastic cocktails, and featured specials like “Sushi Rolls of the Week.” 1403 St. Charles Ave., 410-9997, miyakonola. com

Willie Mae’s Scotch House was founded as a bar in Treme in 1957. After becoming into a restaurant in the 1970s, they have since received national attention for their fried chicken. 2401 St. Ann St., 822-9503, williemaesnola.com

Origami uses fresh, sustainably sourced seafood to create a unique fusion of Japanese- and Southern-style dishes. Besides amazing sushi, they’ve created an incredible poke salad. 5130 Freret St., 899-6532 Tsunami is a new Japanese-American fusion restaurant

that accentuates their seafood-centered dishes with artful plating and innovative sushi rolls. 601 Poydras St. Suite B, 608-3474 Viet Orleans Bistro, located Downtown near Canal Street, serves Vietnamese food, sushi, and other Asian fare. And you can order lunch or dinner via the Waitr app. 300 Baronne St., 333-6917

Bars With Great Food Backspace Bar & Kitchen is a literary-themed bar that specializes in Prohibition-era cocktails and serves one of the best burgers in the French Quarter. 139 Chartres St., 322-2245, backspacenola.com Buffa’s Bar and Restaurant has been open 24/7 since 1939. They have been named one of the 50 Best Jazz Clubs in America and host a popular jazz brunch every Sunday. 1001 Esplanade Ave., 949-0038, buffasbar.com Effervescence is a champagne bar offering a wide selection of wines from around the world. Besides bubbles, they features a seasonal menu of small plate “bites.” 1036 N. Rampart St., 509-7644, nolabubbles. com Gordon Biersch is a national brewpub chain that originated in Palo Alto, California, in 1988. Their worldfamous German lagers go perfectly with a side of garlic fries. 200 Poydras St., 552-2739, gordonbiersch.com The Jimani has been open since 1972, and besides a selection of over 100 beers, they also serve burgers and crawfish pasta until they close at 8 a.m. 141 Chartres St., 524-0493, thejimani.com Mimi’s in the Marigny is a bi-level bar and tapas restaurant, featuring fan favorites like goat cheeserubbed cauliflower, lamb chops, and dishes created with homegrown produce and locally sourced seafood. 2601 Royal St., 872-9868, mimismarigny.com Ole Saint is owned by former Ole Miss and Saints running back Deuce McAllister. Their menu features Southern coastal cuisine including a Crab Maison BLT and Southern Catfish. 132 Royal St., 309-4797, olesaint.com Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Bistro features over 65 wines available by the glass and a Happy Hour with free bacon! You’ll find the perfect pairing for their

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64 | Mardi Gras | Where Y'at Magazine

pork chops with crawfish sausage. 720 Orleans St., 523-1930, orleansgrapevine.com Rick’s Sporting Saloon is a great spot on Bourbon Street to catch the big game. With fantastic bar fare and a beautiful wait staff, this is the Quarter’s ultimate sports bar. 522 Bourbon St., 552-2510, ricks-saloon. com Rivershack Tavern is “New Orleans’s most unusual bar.” They are also a restaurant and music venue, boasting a late-night kitchen and live music nearly seven days a week. 3449 River Rd., 834-4938, therivershacktavern.us

19th-century Impressionist painter Edgar Degas, and their enclosed patio serves some of the city’s only traditional French cuisine. 3127 Esplanade Ave., 9455635, cafedegas.com

The Ruby Slipper has multiple locations around the Gulf Coast. Their New Orleans brunch menu features local favorites like Bananas Foster Pain Perdu. Multiple locations, therubyslippercafe.net

traditional Italian and classic New Orleans dishes for over 100 years. They have received national attention for their famous BBQ shrimp. 1838 Napoleon Ave., 895-4877, pascalsmanale.com

Café Navarre has a reputation as a popular Mid-City brunch spot, but be sure to check out their new outdoor patio and dinner menu, featuring thin-crust artisan pizza. 800 Navarre Ave., 483-8828, cafenavarre.com

Italian

Reginelli’s Pizzeria has more than outstanding pizza; they also serve amazing salads and pastas, and offer $3 pints of craft beer on Mondays and Tuesdays. Multiple locations, reginellis.com

Caffe! Caffe! serves some of the area’s freshest gourmet coffee and espresso, as well as soups, sandwiches, salads, breakfast food, and pastries made in-house. Multiple locations, caffecaffe.com

Shamrock Bar and Grill is New Orleans’s biggest neighborhood bar with 16,000 square-feet of space containing 23 pool tables, ping pong cages, dozens of games, live music, and food. 4133 S. Carrollton Ave., 301-0938, shamrockparty.com

Cloud 9 Bistro is one of the city’s newest cafés and has been dubbed an idyllic retreat to satiate your hunger, with quality menu items like their Bananas Foster Liège Waﬄe. 3138 Magazine St., 702-5914, cloudninenola. com

Tracey’s Original Irish Channel Bar was opened in 1949 as the original Irish Channel bar. They offer weekly specials including $1 shucked-to-order oysters on Monday and $0.50 wings on Wednesday. 2604 Magazine St., 897-5413, traceysnola.com

Daisy Dukes serves a full menu of Southern and Cajun food 24/7. Don’t leave without trying their awardwinning bottomless Cajun Bloody Marys. Multiple locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Café Another Broken Egg Café serves some of the best breakfast in the city. House specialties include their Crawfish Skillet, Lobster and Brie Omelette, and Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Multiple locations, anotherbrokenegg.com

Jimmy J’s Café is a popular breakfast destination that makes everything in-house from scratch. Check out their weekly specials and deals—like pancakes of the day. 115 Chartres St., 309-9360, jimmyjscafe.com

Opal Basil was originally opened in Mandeville by Arizona-born chef-owner Robert Vasquez. Their new location eschews fine dining in favor of a casual neighborhood café approach. 701 S. Peters St., 985778-2529

Café Amelie is one of the French Quarter’s best spots for brunch or lunch. Sit outside in their romantic courtyard and enjoy great drinks and entrees. 912 Royal St., 412-8965, cafeamelie.com

Petite Amelie is an extension of Café Amelie, specializing in “cuisine rapide.” In addition to dine-in, they offer grab-and-go prepared foods and pantry items such as jams and sauces. 900 Royal St., 4128065, cafeamelie.com/petite-amelie

Café Degas is an intimate bistro named after

Josephine Estelle combines Italian recipes and Southern flavor best exemplified in their homemade pasta. Check out their $35 family dinners every first Monday of the month. 600 Carondelet St., 930-3070, josephineestelle.com Mardi Gras Zone is a 24-hour grocery store, restaurant, and bead shop. Besides selling Mardi Gras trinkets, they also serve packaged food, pizza, deli favorites, international cuisine, and alcohol. 2706 Royal St., 947-8787 Pascal’s Manale has been a city staple, serving

Venezia has been serving authentic Italian, fresh seafood, and steak for 60 years. Their renown thin-crust pizza is cooked in a one-of-a-kind stone oven. 134 N. Carrollton Ave., 488-7991, venezianeworleans.net

Mexican Juan’s Flying Burrito is a New Orleans Creole taqueria restaurant serving delicious burritos, tacos, and margaritas. Be sure to try the Flying Burrito, which is chock full of steak, shrimp, and chicken. Multiple locations, juansﬂyingburrito.com La Casita Taqueria provides a perfect setting with outdoor seating to enjoy their 2-for-1 margaritas every

Maple Street Patisserie is operated by world-class European bakers Ziggy and Sullivan, who are also responsible for some of the city’s best holiday pies and catering services. 7638 Maple St., 304-1526

Biscuits and Buns on Banks uses a constantly changing menu to highlight seasonal ingredients, and create unique brunch and lunch dishes like crawfish waﬄes and andouille sausage hash cakes. 4337 Banks St., 273-4600, biscuitsandbunsonbanks.com

Café Carmo features an international menu with dishes ranging from Japanese shima sashimi to Peruvian tiradito. They are committed to sustainability in addition to offering an all-inclusive dining experience. 527 Julia St., 875-4132, cafecarmo.com

G’s Pizza is a great neighborhood BYOB pizza parlor that offers gourmet pizza and sandwiches, plus plenty of outdoor seating and TVs for viewing the big game. Multiple locations, gspizza.com

Riccobono’s Panola Street Café delivers brunch favorites including Crab Cakes Benedict and crawfish omelets, in addition to featuring a different hot plate lunch special every day of the week. 7801 Panola St., panolastreetcafe.com

AnotherBrokenEgg

WhereYat.com | February 2018 | 65

Wednesday, daily Happy Hour from 3 until 7 p.m., and house-made churros. 8400 Oak St., 826-9913, eatlacasita.com

Middle Eastern The Halal Guys originated as a food cart in NYC in 1990. It now operates 200 locations around the world. They serve chicken and gyro meat with rice until midnight. Multiple locations, thehalalguys.com

comfort food dishes include Shrimp Magazine, Trout Tchoupitoulas, and Eggplant Napoleon, which are named after New Orleans city streets. 3001 Magazine St., 891-0997, joeyksrestaurant.com New Orleans Creole Cookery offers traditional Creole cooking, featuring a seafood-centric menu, oyster bar, and strong cocktails. Besides oysters, they also offer "Gumbo Served Three Ways." 508 Toulouse St., 5249632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Lebanon’s Café serves a broad spectrum of Middle Eastern cuisine including hummus, chicken shawarma, and kabobs cooked on skewers above a charcoal grill. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

The Original Fiorella’s Cafe was initially located in the French Market from 1985 until 1999. Their fried chicken is a two-time winner at the National Fried Chicken Festival. 5325 Franklin Ave., 309-0352, originalﬁorellas.com

Pyramids Café serves healthy and authentic Middle Eastern fare including one of the city’s best eggplant sandwiches, plus highly recommended delivery service and dine-in options. 3149 Calhoun St., 861-9602, pyramidscafeneworleans.com

Picayune Social House is a new gastropub located in the original Times-Picayune building. Their innovative house cocktails are available for $5 during Happy Hour, along with half-price breads and spreads. 326 Camp St., 308-3583, picayunesocialhouse.com

New Orleans Cuisine

Poppa’s Poor Boys is a casual deli that sources seafood from the fish market next door. House specialties include garlic-stuffed roast beef and homestyle spaghetti with meatballs. 720 Claiborne Dr., 832-8114

Antoine’s Restaurant, established in 1840, is one of the country’s most famous restaurants as they are known to be the birthplace of Oysters Rockefeller. 713 St. Louis St., 581-4422, antoines.com

AcmeOysterHouse Briquette is a new upscale seafood restaurant that offers contemporary coastal cuisine with delicious menu items cooked fresh by new head chef Hosie Bourgeois. 701 S. Peters St., 302-7496, briquettenola. com

Caribbean Room is located in the Pontchartrain Hotel and serves one of the top brunches in the city. End your meal with their famous Mile High Pie. 2031 St. Charles Ave., 323-1500, thecaribbeanroom.com

The Praline Connection transformed from a home delivery service into one of New Orleans’s best homestyle Cajun-Creole soul food restaurants. Their pralines are made fresh daily using the old-fashioned spoon-drip method. 542 Frenchmen St., 943-3934, pralineconnection.com

The Columns Hotel was designed by local architect Thomas Sully and built in 1883. Their Victorian Lounge offers a small plates menu and patio seating on stunning St. Charles Avenue. 3811 St. Charles Ave., 899-9308, thecolumns.com

Public Service (NOPSI Hotel) serves elevated comfort food, inspired by the Gulf Coast’s fishermen and farmers, out of an open kitchen accentuated by a raw bar and open-flame rotisserie. 311 Baronne St., 962-6527, publicservicenola.com

Don’s Seafood was originally opened in Lafayette by Don Landry in 1934. Their current menu includes Landry family recipes and original creations, like their famous Zydeco Shrimp. 4801 Veterans Blvd., 889-1550, donsseafoodonline.com

Crescent City Brewhouse was opened as New Orleans’s first brewpub in 1991. Their fully functional 17-barrel brewery combines Old World traditions with modern technology to create unique blends of beer. 527 Decatur St., 522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Short Stop Poboys makes it hard to choose, with a selection of over 30 po-boys! They offer three sizes and delicious sides like chicken fries, coleslaw, and stuffed crab. 119 Transcontinental Dr., 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com

Jack Dempsey’s Restaurant is named after former The States-Item police reporter Richard “Jack” Dempsey. They’re known for their huge steaks, fried seafood, and baked macaroni. 738 Poland Ave., 943-9914, jackdempseys.net

Seafood

Jaeger’s Seafood and Oyster House has been familyowned and -operated since 1948. Try their surf and turf, a pairing of quality seafood with fantastic steak, for the best of both worlds. 901 S. Clearview Pkwy., 818-2200, jaegersseafood.com

House of Blues is an established music venue featuring the restaurant Crossroads, whose menu was created by chefs across America and mixes regional and international cuisines. 225 Decatur St., 310-4999, houseofblues.com Joey K’s is a family-owned establishment whose

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Acme Oyster House is known for their "rawsome" fresh, hand-shucked Louisiana oysters, as well as other oyster classics like Oysters Rockefeller Soup and oyster shooters. Multiple locations, acmeoyster.com

Crazy Lobster Bar and Grill is a Cajun-style restaurant specializing in lobster and crab legs. You can score a take-home souvenir glass when you order one of their signature drinks. 500 Port of New Orleans Place, Suite 83, 569-3380, thecrazylobster.com

Robin’s Wharf is a seafood restaurant with locations Uptown and on the Eden Isles waterway, but either is perfect to enjoy the big game with a cold beer. Multiple locations, 985-326-8882 Seaworthy is located in an 1832 Creole cottage and creates dishes using locally sourced fish and game, in addition to supplying only wild-caught, sustainably harvested oysters. 630 Carondelet St., 930-3071, seaworthynola.com The Catch Seafood Restaurant is a hot new seafood restaurant with something for everyone, featuring dishes available fried, blackened, or boiled. 3010 Cleary Ave., 407-3316, facebook.com/ thecatchseafoodrestaurantLA Tito’s Ceviche & Pisco features a menu built on traditional Peruvian dishes, such as lomo saltado and ceviche criollo, plus the bar includes a selection of nearly 50 varieties of Peruvian pisco. 5015 Magazine St., 267-7612, titoscevichepisco.com

Vegetarian/Vegan Seed serves vegan options of comfort food, such as eggplant po-boys, Southern fried tofu, nachos, and gumbo, using high-quality local and organic ingredients. 1330 Prytania St., 302-2599, seedyourhealth.com

BarGuide