Spring Festival Guide - April 2026

DINING • MUSIC • EN TERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE

DINING • MUSIC • EN TERTAINMENT • NIGHTLIFE

BEST FESTS

N O W B O O K I N G 2 0 2 6 - 2 0 2 7 E v e n t s

Gá lv ez a nd Louisia na in the A merican Revolution

LAKESIDE2RIVERSIDE MARCH

Spring Festivals Guide2026

MARCH

19 TO APRIL 15

| NATCHEZ SPRING PILGRIMAGE

Multiple Locations, Natchez, MS | natchezpilgrimage.com

Natchez’s historic Spring Pilgrimage opens stately Antebellum homes and gardens to visitors. Tours include exploration of interiors, artisan demonstrations, and special events celebrating Southern architecture and antiques. Visit Natchez Spring Pilgrimage’s website for a full list of participating locations, and plan your tour to Mississippi.

MARCH

24-29

| NEW ORLEANS OPERA FESTIVAL

Multiple Locations | neworleansoperafestival.org

Experience true culture at the very first New Orleans Opera Festival, presented by the New Orleans Opera Association. The festival will feature classic works performed in different venues across New Orleans including the Old Ursuline Convent Museum and the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS.

MARCH

25-29

| TENNESSEE WILLIAMS & NEW ORLEANS

LITERARY FESTIVAL

Multiple Locations | tennesseewilliams.net

Celebrate NOLA’s literary heritage at an annual festival featuring author panels, writing workshops, theatrical productions, the Stella Shout contest, live music, and special events including the Saints & Sinners LGBTQ+ Literary Festival. Experience readings and discussions across the historic French Quarter.

MARCH

26-29

| LOUISIANA CRAWFISH FESTIVAL IN CHALMETTE

Frederick Sigur Center, Chalmette | louisianacrawfishfestival.com

The Louisiana Crawfish Festival features boiled crawfish, carnival rides, community events, and live music by Swampland Revival, among others. The four-day festival includes cooking contests, a parade, pageants, and family activities, drawing visitors to Chalmette and donating to community programs in St. Bernard Parish.

MARCH

27 &

28 | CROATIAN FEST

220 Croatian Way, Belle Chasse | croatianamericansociety.com

Celebrate Croatian heritage with food including chargrilled oysters, roasted lamb, ćevapi, local seafood, and Croatian beer over in Plaquemines Parish. Enjoy traditional kolo dancing, live Croatian music, cultural exhibits, cooking demonstrations, and kids activities at this annual event hosted by the Croatian American Society.

MARCH 27 & 28 |

ELECTRIC SPRING FESTIVAL

Music Box Village | electricspringfestival.com

MARCH 27-29 | BAYOU

JEEP BASH

Plaquemines Parish Festival Grounds, Belle Chasse | plaqcdg.com/bayou-jeep-bash

The Bayou Jeep Bash will bring Jeep culture to Plaquemines Parish with guided trail rides, off-road obstacle courses, live music from local artists including Shorts in December and Ryan Foret, food trucks, vendors, onsite camping, and family-oriented attractions for Louisiana’s premier Jeep event.

MARCH 27-29 | NEW ORLEANS HOME & GARDEN SHOW + THE

BOAT SHOW

Caesars Superdome | neworleanshomeshows.com

The New Orleans Home & Garden Show will be combined with the Boat Show this year for a three day event at the Superdome. Attendees can look forward to home-improvement inspiration, landscaping displays, and design exhibits alongside boats, marine accessories, outdoor recreation vendors, and more.

MARCH

28 & 29

| CONGO SQUARE RHYTHMS FESTIVAL

Louis Armstrong Park | jazzandheritage.org/events/2026-congo-square-rhythms-festival

Celebrate African culture and the legacy of Congo Square at this year’s Congo Square Rhythms Fest. Featured performers for this year include Cha Wa, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, and many more. Enjoy craft vendors, food, and community rhythms at Armstrong Park’s vibrant outdoor cultural showcase.

MARCH 28 & 29 | ROCK AND ROUGE WOMEN’S MUSIC FESTIVAL

Lafayette Square | therockandrouge.com

Electric Spring Festival will come to New Orleans with two days of electronic music featuring local and guest DJs, visual artists with immersive art installations, and a market of vendors. This year is the festival’s debut and will feature Bouffant Bouffant, Dr. Romance, and more.

MARCH

27-29

| DANNY BARKER BANJO & GUITAR FESTIVAL

Multiple Locations | dannybarkerfestival.com

The Danny Barker Banjo & Guitar Festival celebrates and honors the late jazz musician Danny Barker. In addition to the main festival at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, featuring performances by Don Vappie and more, there will be a golf tournament, a gala night, and more.

The Rock and Rouge Women’s Music Festival will return during Women’s History Month. For two days, the festival will host live performances by female-fronted bands and artists including the Charmaine Neville Band, food vendors featuring female chefs, the Beauty Tent, and the Girls STEAM Tent.

APRIL

APRIL 9-12 | OVERLOOK FILM FESTIVAL

Prytania Theatres At Canal Place & Uptown | overlookfilmfest.com

Horror-specific films and immersive movie screenings will be taking place at this year’s Overlook Film Festival in New Orleans. Expect filmmaker Q&As, premieres, VR experiences, and themed parties celebrating horror cinema. Visit Overlook Film Festival’s for more updates about this year’s schedule.

APRIL 10 & 11 | HOGS FOR THE CAUSE

UNO Lakefront Arena | hogsfest.org

This two-day charity BBQ and music festival features 90+ competing pitmasters, live performances from soul, blues, and rock acts including Stephen Wilson Jr. and Charles Wesley Godwin, and lots of pork. All proceeds raised during Hogs for the Cause supports families battling pediatric brain cancer.

APRIL

10-12 |

FRÜHLINGSFEST

Deutsches Haus | deutscheshaus.org

Celebrate spring German-style at the Deutsches Haus with bratwurst, pretzels, schnapps, and beer at this year’s Frühlingsfest. At this event, you can also watch dachshund races, participate in Torwand soccer, listen to German music, and enjoy wine. Admission is free and open to all.

APRIL

10-12

| HONDO RODEO FEST

Caesars Superdome | thehondorodeofest.com/neworleans Don’t miss out on a real deal rodeo experience in the Superdome at the Hondo Rodeo Fest. In addition to the Million Dollar Rodeo show, the festival will feature live music performances by Creed, Cody Johnson, Jason Aldean, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more.

APRIL

11

| GENFEST

Milne Rec Center | nolacityarchives.org/genfest

GenFest, hosted by New Orleans’ City Archives & Special Collections, brings genealogy and history enthusiasts together with exhibits from local genealogical groups, expert talks on culture and preservation, and engaging panel discussions exploring community history and ancestral stories. This will be the fest’s third edition.

APRIL 16-19

| FRENCH QUARTER FESTIVAL

French Quarter | frenchquarterfest.org

French Quarter Festival is a free fest that celebrates New Orleans’ famous neighborhood with over 300 live music performances across multiple stages, over 275 local food offerings, and more. Attendees can expect music by PJ Morton, Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, Big Freedia, and many more.

APRIL 22-26 | FESTIVAL INTERNATIONAL DE LOUISIANE

Downtown Lafayette | festivalinternational.org

The Festival International de Louisiane is one of the country’s largest free music and arts celebrations, which features world music on several stages, global food options, handcrafted art, plenty of dancing, and familyoriented activities. 2026 marks the festival’s 40th anniversary.

APRIL 23-28, APRIL 30-MAY 4

HERITAGE FESTIVAL

MAY & JUNE

MAY 1 & 2 | BAYOU RENDEZVOUS

The Broadside | broadsidenola.com

Don’t miss the 24th annual Bayou Rendezvous, which benefits the New Orleans Musicians Clinic. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and there will be live music provided by Big Chief Juan Pardo, Polyrhythmics, the Rumble with Chief Joseph Boudreaux, and more.

MAY 1-3 | BREAUX BRIDGE CRAWFISH FESTIVAL

Parc Hardy, Breaux Bridge | bbcrawfest.com

The Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival celebrates the town’s title as “the Crawfish Capital of the World” with crawfish served boiled, fried, and in étouffée. The three -day event includes plenty of live music, crawfish races, contests, carnival rides, and a Sunday parade.

MAY

2 |

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU FESTIVAL

Downtown Houma Courthouse Square | mayfourthfest.org

| NEW ORLEANS JAZZ AND

Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots | nojazzfest.com Jazz Fest, one of the world’s premier music celebrations, returns for two weekends with 5,000+ musicians across 14 stages showcasing music styles including jazz, blues, gospel, zydeco, rock, and R&B. Headliners include Stevie Nicks, Eagles, Lorde, and many more.

APRIL 24-26 | PLAQUEMINES PARISH SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

333 F Edward Hebert Blvd., Belle Chasse | plaqueminesparishfestival.com

Enjoy fresh local seafood, live music, carnival rides, crafts available for purchase, and family-oriented activities at this year’s Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival. The festival includes seafood dishes, a kids’ tent, an Oyster Drop raffle, traditional swamp pop music, and more.

APRIL 25 | KITE FEST LOUISIANE’

West Baton Rouge | westbatonrouge.net/kite-fest-louisiane Kite Fest Louisiane' features colorful, unique kites flown by recreational fliers and professionals, alongside fireworks, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities. Children and adults can enjoy kite-flying demonstrations, workshops, contests, and vendor booths on the West Baton Rouge riverfront.

APRIL 29 | CHAZFEST GOES ABROAD

The Broadside | broadsidenola.com

Chazfest Goes Abroad will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year at the Broadside from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. The festival will have live music provided by the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio, Rough Seven, the TBC Brass Band, and many more.

Houma’s annual Star Wars event features cosplay contests, vendor booths, photo opportunities with characters, activities for families, and live performances by Kings of Neon among other acts. Fans can enjoy themed games, merchandise, and community celebrations of the Star Wars universe in downtown Houma.

MAY 16 | KEITH LEE’S FAMILEE DAY

UNO Lakefront Festival Grounds | famileeday.com

Keith Lee’s Familee Day brings live music performances, dance celebrations, cultural exhibitions, and community events. Attendees can enjoy music by Kirk Franklin, Mannie Fresh, and more, as well as food vendors. General admission, VIP admission, and VIP with the Chef’s Table are available.

MAY 22-24 | NEW ORLEANS GREEK FESTIVAL

1200 Allen Toussaint Blvd. | gfno.com

The New Orleans Greek Festival will take place over three days, featuring culture-specific music and food, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral grounds. The event includes traditional Greek cuisine, Hellenic dance performances, a run/walk race, and opportunities for cathedral tours.

MAY 29-31 | JEAN LAFITTE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

Jean Lafitte Auditorium and Grounds | lafitteseafoodfest.com

The Jean Lafitte Seafood Festival celebrates coastal cuisine with fresh seafood, live music, an art walk, and kayak rentals. Attendees can enjoy a crawfish cook-off and other festivities. Online and at-the-gate general admission is available, while kids 12 and under enter for free.

JUNE 6 & 7 | CREOLE TOMATO FESTIVAL

French Market | frenchmarket.org/ festivals-events

The 40th Annual Creole Tomato Festival will celebrate Southeast Louisiana’s tomato season with food booths featuring Creole tomato dishes, live music, free activities, dance lessons, and fresh produce. Attendees can enjoy regional bands, Bloody Marys, and market vendors over two days.

JUNE 10-14 | NEW ORLEANS WINE & FOOD EXPERIENCE

Multiple Locations | nowfe.com

The New Orleans Wine & Food Experience brings food and drink events across the city with wine tastings, wine dinners led by chefs, seminars, the Grand Tasting, and more. At the Grand Tasting, wine from around the world will be showcased, and connoisseurs will meet wine-makers.

NOLA Festivals & Their Charitable Causes

Fests Funding

// TINA HOWELL

It’s springtime in New Orleans, and in addition to some beautiful weather, we also have the kickoff of the city’s busy festival season.

Spring brings some spirited music to the Big Easy in the form of the world-renowned Jazz Fest. The annual 10-day event, which features thousands of musicians, cooks, and craftsmen, welcomes about 500,000 visitors who bring in over 300 million dollars of revenue to the city.

While Jazz Fest is one of the largest festivals held in New Orleans, there are several smaller events that take place each spring, offering visitors some good food and festivities for some bigger causes.

A CELEBRATION OF WORDS

This year, the Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival will celebrate their 40th anniversary of bringing awardwinning writers, poets, historians, scholars, journalists, musicians, and cultural experts together for five inspirational days of literary revelry in New Orleans.

The annual festival is a celebration of literature, theater, cuisine, and music. Each year, thousands of book and theater lovers come to New Orleans from all over the country for the festival’s writers’ craft sessions, literary panels, theater events, author interviews, literary walking tours, culinary and cocktail events, music events, and, of course, their famous Stella Shouting Contest.

Name of Place

Their mission is threefold: to serve the community through educational, theatrical, literary, and musical programs; to nurture, support, and showcase regional, national, and international writers, actors, musicians, and other artists; and to honor the creative genius of Tennessee Williams, who considered New Orleans his spiritual home.

The festival also hosts the annual Tennessee Williams Scholars Conference, as well as the Tennessee Williams and New Orleans Literary Festival Gala, which recognizes and honors those individuals who have had a significant impact on the literary arts.

This year’s festival will be held March 25 to 29, 2026. To learn more, purchase passes, volunteer, or donate, please visit tennesseewilliams.net

PORK AND A PURPOSE

For over 18 years, Hogs for the Cause has established itself as one of the country’s best BBQ and music festivals for an amazing cause. As one of the premier nationwide sources of funding for families with children fighting pediatric brain cancer, through the amazing efforts of their teams and fans, Hogs for the Cause has raised over 15 million dollars to date.

headlined by Stephen Wilson Jr., Charles Wesley Godwin, and many more.

Working with both local and national children’s hospitals, including Manning Family Children’s, Ochsner Children’s Hospital, Duke Children’s Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina Children’s Health, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, and Children’s Hospital of San Antonio, Hogs for the Cause offers both monetary relief and care to families with children who have brain cancer.

This year’s event will welcome 90 local and regional BBQ masters and the best backyard chefs who will compete in seven categories: whole hog, ribs, pork butt/shoulder, porkpourri, sauce, fan favorite, and fundraising champion. There will also be musical performances

The 2026 Hogs for a Cause will be held on April 10 and 11, 2026, at the UNO Lakefront Arena. To learn more, purchase tickets, or donate, please visit hogsfest.org.

OPA, OPA, OPA

Established in 1973, the New Orleans Greek Festival offers an incredible array of authentic homemade Greek dishes and pastries in a friendly family atmosphere. There is live music, dancing, cooking demonstrations, and shopping, as well as a walk/run.

The annual event hosts over 19,000 guests, and proceeds from the Greek Festival help to support the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the oldest existing Orthodox community in the Americas.

This year’s Greek Fest will be held from May 22 to 24, 2026. To

purchase tickets, volunteer, or donate, please visit gfno.com

OLE’, A FUN WAY

The Running of the Bulls, literally, hits the streets of New Orleans every July. This uniquely entertaining event draws its inspiration from the original event in Pamplona, Spain. San Fermin en Nueva Orleans has a flock of derby skaters—instead of bulls—on roller skates traveling through the city armed with foamfilled plastic bats, which brings a crazy twist for

a whole new level of excitement.

While the first annual Running of the Bulls in New Orleans began back in 2007 with only 200 participants, this fun-filled event now attracts more than 14,000 runners and 400 derby athletes from all over the country.

The festivities feature four events throughout three days: Txupinazo, the Running of the Bulls, La Fiesta de Pantalones, and El Pobre Mi. A portion of the proceeds from the events helps to support Beth’s Friends Forever, whose mission is to supplement the resources of women fighting cancer throughout the Greater New Orleans area.

This year’s Running of the Bulls will be held from July 10 to 12, 2026. To learn more or purchase tickets, please visit nolabulls.com. To learn more about Beth’s Friends Forever, please visit bethsfriendsforever.org

The Historic French Quarter Easter Parade leads a packed day of Easter Day celebrations in NOLA. The parade will feature muledrawn carriages, convertibles, and more. HISTORIC FRENCH QUARTER EASTER PARADE SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 9:45 A.M.

The French Quarter Easter Parade will be parading for its 41st anniversary. This popular parade will feature beautiful floats and fine Easter attire.

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

New Orleans’ Gay Easter Parade will roll for its 25th edition on Easter Sunday. This year’s grand marshals are Jeffrey Plamquist and Felicia Phillips.

Good for the S UL

The Benefits of Yoga & Spots to Visit in NOLA

The power of yoga at Wild Lotus, “It’s completely changed my life,” Ruby Spells said, sharing her experience at Wild Lotus as a community member and yoga lover.

CASA volunteers help children

“Something I love about Wild Lotus is it respects that āsana (physical posture) is only a fraction of yoga. Yoga is a way of life. It’s not just a workout or getting hot and staying hot,”

She said the studio welcomes everyone, regardless of appearance or age. “Wild Lotus is an incredible, diverse community. I do yoga next to an 80-year-old and a 16-year-old.”

She added that attire at Wild Lotus shifted her perception of yoga. Wearing whatever she wants feels symbolic of the studio’s approach. The anecdote that changed her perception of yoga from being at Wild Lotus is the teacher who wears bright lipstick to class. “It’s integrating your everyday life and your whole self into your practice and that’s why I love that some of my teachers show up with red lipstick on,” Spells said. “It’s because it’s not a workout. It’s about integration.” Teachers sometimes wear fun earrings and glitter on their cheeks, too.

Lotus Flows, Serenity Yoga, Bhakti Flow, Roots and Reset, Sound Baths, and BIPOC Yoga are some classes offered. From mellow to spicy, you can find a class that meets your wants and needs.

Wild Lotus honors spiritual practices with workshops, religious practices, loud music nights, and readings. “I encourage people to forget what they think they know about yoga and enter with openness and curiosity,” Spells advised.

Clown Yoga - Music Box Village

Yes, clowns. Dress up, clown around, and stretch out. Clown Yoga New Orleans is “Vinyasa with a Twist,” run by Bambi Maloney. Classes have been held at Music Box Village and Clouet Gardens. This family-friendly experience encourages clown attire and costumes along with rubber chickens, face painting, red noses, and kid centred games. Stay updated on Instagram @clownyoga_nola or at clownyoga.com

Live Oak – 6113 Magazine St.

For a true New Orleans homey feel, head to Live Oak, a shotgun house behind a huge oak tree on Magazine Street. Its cozy room is perfect for all levels. Classes include vinyasa flow, prenatal yoga, and candlelight flow. Prenatal yoga is for all stages of pregnancy and meets Thursdays at 5:15 p.m. with instructor Laura. For more info, visit liveoakyoganola.com

Yes Yoga – 8338 Oak St.

Yes Yoga is known for providing hot yoga in a dark, ambient, spacious studio. Hot yoga is typically done at 105 degrees to warm muscles and increase flexibility. After class, you’ll leave glowing with endorphins. Doors lock at the start, so don’t be late. Classes include Hot Classic, Yin Yoga, Hot Vinyasa, and Lila Flow, offering deep stretches, restorative practices, and breathwork.

WAYS TO MAKE YOUR YOGA CALENDAR is a subscription service app that many locals use for access to multiple yoga studios. Instead of buying a membership to one studio, you book classes with credits linked across many. If you find a favorite studio, monthly or yearly memberships are available. Drop-ins are great for occasional visits, with individual classes ranging from $10–25. Register for a class today.

LOCAL YOGA STUDIOS WITH UNIQUE CLASSES TO VISIT IN NOLA

Nola Vibe Yoga – Hotel Peter and Paul, Livaudais Hall, and Bayou Saint John Nola Vibe Yoga hosts classes in several unique locations, including historic New Orleans churches. Visit Hotel Peter and Paul or Livaudais Hall to practice among stained-glass windows and resonant acoustics for a peaceful, spiritual experience. More information is available at nolavibeyoga.com

More information can be found at yesyoganola.co Paradigm Gardens – 1131 S. Rampart St.

Need animal time? This studio invites baby pygmy goats to join your relaxing yoga class. Practice cat and cow stretches beside a real goat at Paradigm Gardens. A light breakfast from Empanola is included with your pass. Find out more about their goat yoga at paradigmgardensnola.com/goat-yoga

Swan River Yoga Mandir – 2940 Canal St.

Located in a 1911 public library, Swan River Yoga transformed the library’s reading room into a meditative space with a 1930 mural by Edward Schoeberger. The spiritual space, mandir, has been Swan River’s home since 2010. The studio offers sound baths, chanting, breathwork, massage workshops, hypnotic shavasana, and insight into yogic history. More info is available at swanriveryoga.com

Pilates-infused

Pilates and restorative yoga. This studio blends traditional yoga with interval training. Classes are seven days a week and include HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and MELT (Myofascial Energetic Length Technique). Visit sculptneworleans.com

Bloom Yoga NOLA – 1225 Mandeville St. A woman-owned studio, Bloom Yoga offers heated and non-heated classes. Its mission is to foster empowerment and authentic expression. Classes include Heated Yoga, Power Flow, Sculpt Flow, and a weekly class called Centering Black Voices in Practice. Find out more at bloomyoganola.com.

Spyre – 772 Prytania St. Spyre Nola offers yoga, café bites, sound baths, dancing, and a pool. Additional services include hydrotherapy, dry float, massage, reiki, red-light therapy, and an infrared sauna. The space was once a Norwegian travelers’ church called the Scandinavian Jazz Church. In fact, “spyre” comes from “spire,” meaning steeple. Learn more at spyrecenter.com or @spyre_nola.

Wild Lotus Yoga – 4842 Perrier St. Wild Lotus honors “Earth spirituality” and heart-centred teachings that include singing, creative movement, art, and poetry. Classes include Bhakti Flow, Lotus Flow, Serenity Yoga, Root and Reset, conscious breathwork workshops, and classic foundations. The studio also offers yoga teacher training (LYTT), which is a six-month-long program. Learn more at wildlotusyoga.com

Rainy Days, Geta ways Free

Locals Explore New Orleans’ Cultural Gems Free on Rainy Days

// CELESTE TURNER

When rain hits New Orleans, locals have plenty of reasons to head indoors, from immersive art experiences to historic exhibitions. Many of the city’s cultural institutions offer free admission for Louisiana residents, making it easy to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant arts scene.

For city residents, a New Orleans Public Library card opens the door to free arts and heritage experiences across the city. New Orleans Public Library cardholders can reserve a Culture Pass, which provides free admission to a range of partner institutions such as the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium, Audubon Zoo, the Contemporary Arts Center, Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses, the National WWII Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Historic BK House & Gardens, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, and more.

“Each pass has different terms, so it’s important to review them when booking,” said Jane LeGros, director of marketing and communications at the New Orleans Public Library. She explained that library cardholders must be 18 years or older and the Culture Pass can be reserved online, in person, or by phone. Patrons receive a digital pass by email, which must be presented on the day of the visit, along with any additional requirements. LeGros added, “The goal is for New Orleanians to get back to seeing their culture.” Details and full pass rules are available at nolalibrary. libcal.com/passes

Louisiana residents can also take advantage of

the State Library’s Check Out Louisiana program, which provides a free one-day pass for visiting Louisiana State Museums, including the Cabildo and the New Orleans Jazz Museum, as well as state parks. Current library cardholders can reserve passes online through participating public library systems. “Check Out Louisiana is an exciting new benefit for library cardholders that they may not realize they have,” said Kevin Calbert, director of communications for the State Library of Louisiana. “It provides free access to Louisiana’s state parks, museums, and other historical and cultural treasures. We’ll be expanding the offering to even more library systems during 2026 and encourage cardholders across the state to check out a day pass and enjoy these great venues.” For more information, check out library.la.gov/check-out-louisiana. If rainy weather keeps you from wandering the streets of the French Quarter, seek shelter in the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) at 520 Royal St., which is open Tuesday through Sunday at no cost to visitors. During the month of April, six exhibitions are on display, including American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition (March 20, 2026 to January 17, 2027). “We welcome people of all ages,” said Director of Audience Engagement Amanda McFillen. “Our daily talks at 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, called Exhibition Shortcuts, offer insight into HNOC’s artifacts and exhibitions.” McFillen also highlighted The Trail They Blazed, a traveling exhibition featuring oral histories, on view through May.

A short stroll into the Warehouse District leads to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art at 925 Camp St., a quiet refuge from the rain featuring works from 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia.The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is free for Louisiana residents on Thursdays. Must-see April exhibitions include Vicinal Visions and I Am Face Just steps away, the Contemporary Arts Center at 900 Camp St. serves as a rainy-day retreat where New Orleanians can discover vibrant and multidisciplinary work by local and regional artists. The museum is open Monday through Sunday,

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays), with free admission for Louisiana residents on Sundays. You can also view upcoming exhibitions on Instagram @CACNOLA

In the midst of stormy skies, cocktail culture comes alive at the Sazerac House, located at Canal and Magazine streets. Locals can enjoy a complimentary self-guided tour with interactive exhibits, a micro-distillery visit, and cocktail samples for guests 21 and older. According to General Manager Thomas Register, visitors will learn the history of the Sazerac cocktail, explore New Orleans’ cocktail culture, and discover the differences among some of America’s most popular spirits. Guests of all ages are welcome, with non-alcoholic samples available.

Nestled in City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) offers a world-class collection of fine art, making it an ideal indoor escape on rainy days. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, NOMA is free for Louisiana residents on Wednesdays. Don’t miss Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity (January 30 to May 3), the first monographic exhibition of American modernist Hayward Oubre Jr. The exhibit features 52 sculptures, paintings, and prints that highlight his influence on Southern art and the vital contributions of Black artists.

Finally, raindrops won’t spoil your day in the Bywater. StudioBE, a 35,000-square-foot warehouse, offers an immersive space featuring eye-popping, large-scale murals and exhibits by Brandon “BMike” Odums in collaboration with more than 40 artists. Located at 2941 Royal St., the work at StudioBE brings to life themes of activism, resistance, and Black American history. Free admission for Louisiana residents is available on Wednesdays, with advance reservations required. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, as well as 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday to Monday, and Tuesdays are by appointment only.

For city residents, rainy days don’t have to mean staying home. Whether you’re in the French Quarter, the CBD, or Mid-City, stormy weather in New Orleans is the perfect excuse to go indoors and experience the city’s museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks, where history, art, and its unique spirit await.

Spring 2026 in Plaquemines Parish

Spring comes alive in PLAQUEMINES PARISH, where festival season meets world-class fishing and unforgettable coastal experiences. From rich cultural traditions to premier fishing tournaments, there’s something happening all season long in Louisiana’s Delta Country.

Spring

2026 Event Highlights

Croatian Festival • March 27–28 • Croatian House • 220 Croatian Way • Belle Chasse

Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival • April 24–26 • 225 F. Edward Hebert Blvd • Belle Chasse

Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic • April 28 - May 2 • Cypress Cove Marina • Venice

The Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic • May 26–31 • Cypress Cove Marina • Venice

Come see why PLAQUEMINES PARISH is Louisiana’s best-kept secret for FISHING, ADVENTURE, AND RELAXATION!

Plan your trip at:

NOLA Metal Heads

New Orleans Remains a Mecca for Music, Even ʼ80s Metal

// DONALD RICKERT

At one point, ‘80s metal was ubiquitous. Whether you called it hair metal, metal, or rock, it was everywhere.

The genre dominated the radio and, especially, MTV, which had shows including Dial MTV and Headbangers Ball, which ‘80s metal either was the sole focus of or garnered the most “votes” for the rankings of videos and their popularity, in the case of Dial MTV. While this was a national phenomena and part of the cultural zeitgeist that permeated the United States as a whole, the popularity was also true for the Greater New Orleans area. In fact, there were plenty of bands that originated in and played in and around New Orleans. A few bands that originated in the City that Care Forgot made bigger names for themselves including Zebra, who probably paved the way for the rest. There was also local band Baton Rouge, which had two major label releases. Perhaps the most famous band to break out of New Orleans in the ‘80s is Lillian Axe.

Lillian Axe is headed by guitarist and New Orleans native Steve Blaze. He started playing classical and flamenco guitar at 6 years old. He also took lessons at St. Catherine of Siena from Mr. Spano but soon moved to private lessons from Edie Leibe. “I guess [I outgrew] the class very quickly,” he noted.

Blaze progressed and started playing rock and metal in high school at Jesuit, influenced by music that he heard on WTIX 690. He mentioned that he “took a little jazz theory in high school and stuff like that, but the rest of all the rock stuff is self-taught.”

Lillian Axe grew out of a cover band that Steve Blaze joined in the early ‘80s along with bassist Michael “Maxx” Darby. “Michael Maxx, our bass player, was already in the band. They asked me to come play guitar, and we started playing out. We were called Oz,” Blaze said. “They had a lead player already, so I was coming in and kind of playing rhythm more than lead, and, then, after two gigs, the lead guitar player quit,

as he said it was too much pressure.” Blaze took over as the lead guitarist, and, with that, Lillian Axe had its beginning.

At some point, Blaze started writing more original songs, something he began doing in the sixth grade, and Lillian Axe added those songs to their live set. Blaze noted, “We started becoming known for our originals more than anything.”

The scene in the New Orleans area was vastly different. Blaze observed, “Back in the early days, every city—from Shack Bay to La Rose; to Thibodaux to Houma; to Cutoff, LA; Baton Rouge; Shreveport; Monroe; Metairie; Chalmette—every city had rock clubs, and we could play four or five nights a week at a different venue and never play the same place in 60 days. We’d play Hammond on a Wednesday night for four or five hundred people. We’d go to Lafayette on a Wednesday night and do the same thing.”

Gaining popularity and notoriety, Lillian Axe

started opening for bigger bands, and, on one leg of a tour, they were asked to join “Ratt and Poison on five dates, and that’s where we got discovered by Marshall Berle and Robin Crosby, and then that’s when we entered into the next phase.” Marshall Berle was Milton Berle’s nephew and the manager of the band Ratt, and Robin Crosby played guitar for Ratt. That led to Lillian Axe getting signed to MCA, with Robin Crosby producing their self-titled debut album. However, neither Lillian Axe nor the follow-up, Love + War, met the label’s expectations, and the group was quickly dropped by the label. This in spite of the fact that “Dream of a Lifetime” and, especially, “Show a Little Love” getting a decent amount of airplay on MTV’s Headbangers Ball

Blaze said that “Show a Little Love” was the song that started getting the band more noticed. “That’s the one that started to get more airplay, and, back at that time, if you even got a couple of plays, think of the audience you were reaching. That’s the one that kind of really got us going, but there were so many mistakes made with videos and the singles that were put out,” which included Lillian Axe’s biggest chart success from Poetic Justice, which was put out by I.R.S. and reached the Billboard Heatseekers charts at No. 28. Blaze relayed that the mistakes were “not just MCA, but they butchered us first, then on I.R.S. for our next two albums. You know ‘True Believer’ was a top 40 song.” However, the label refused to put out a video for the song, which limited the song’s audience and reach. “Poetic Justice did well. With the right moves, that album could have really blown up,” Blaze said. Although Poetic Justice was the commercial peak for the band, the band keeps playing and putting out music and has 10 studio albums and two live records. “It’s a drive that I personally have,” Blaze observed. “Of course, we’ve had a few changes over the years, but when you have a 40-something year history, they’re gonna have changes.” Through the years and changes, though, Lillian Axe and Blaze’s vision has persevered. With the success the band has had, Lillian Axe has been inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame. Blaze noted, “I’ve been inducted twice. I’m the only person that’s ever been inducted twice,” which is quite an accomplishment. Neither the band nor Blaze is resting on their laurels, though. “We’re actually getting ready to release our 11th studio album, and I think it’s our 18th overall release,” Blaze said. This new record, which is a concept album of sorts, is entitled The Ten Commandments, with 10 songs relating to each commandment in some fashion, and will be released, according to Blaze, “probably in May or June.”

PROUD PARTNER OF THE

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

MUSIC CALENDAR

MONDAY, MARCH 23

AllWays Lounge Betsy Propane’s SmokeShow

Bacchanal Wine Byron Asher

Buffa’s David Doucet

Da Jump Off Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band

Don Jefes John Fohl

Holy Diver Feyleux, Annelida

New Orleans Jazz Museum Planet M: Movement

& Music

No Dice Bay Faction, Nuffer

Polo Club John Royen

Poor Boys Decompression Mondays

St Roch Tavern Wild Earp

TUESDAY, MARCH 24

Bacchanal Wine Tangiers Combo

Bayou Bar Double Bird, Peter Harris

Blue Nile Juice

Irene’s Monty Banks

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Cyril Neville, Kermit Ruffins

New Orleans Jazz Museum Artist TBD

No Dice Winyah, Edgehill

Polo Club Lounge John Royen

Snug Harbor Don Vappie Jazz Creole

Tigerman Den Forrest VanTuyl, Roselit Bone

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

The Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25

Bacchanal Wine Jesse Morrow

Bayou Bar Firm Roots, Peter Harris

Blue Nile New Breed Brass Band

Café Degas Gizinti Trio

Café NOLA R&B Bingo Wednesdays with NEICY B

Chickie Wah Wah Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch

Hancock

Civic Theater Goulda Schultz

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Irene’s Monty Banks

Marigny Brasserie Legacy Jazz Band

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Irvin Mayfield, Kermit

Ruffins

Snug Harbor Delfeayo Marsalis, Seva Venet

The Jazz Playhouse Big Sam

Snug Harbor Danny Baker Tribute Band

The Jazz Playhouse Brass-A-Holics

The Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band

Tipitinas The Wood Brothers

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Bab L’ Bluz, Gahdlyke

House of Blues DJ T-Roy, Juan Tigre

Irene’s Monty Banks

J’s Place New Groove Brass Band

Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

AllWays Lounge Ryan Batiste

Bacchanal Wine David Sigler, Willie Green

Bayou Bar Oh Yeah!, Peter Harris

Blue Nile The Caesar Brother’s FunkBox, Kermit Ruffins

The Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

Tropical Isle Dave Ferrato, Mike Lemmier

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

Bacchanal Wine Raphael Bas

Bayou Bar Julian Lee, Peter Harris

Blue Nile Irvin Mayfield’s Music Church, DJ T-Roy

Chickie Wah Wah Grayson Capps

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Ben Kweller

House of Blues Andy Forest, Nancy Zee

Irene’s Monty Banks

Le Bon Temps Roule Tiago Guy

Maple Leaf Bar Oscar Rossignoli, Johnny Vidacovich

Trio

New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Matt Scholfield

Polo Club Josh Royen

Smoothie King Center The Lumineers

Le Bon Temps Roule Dirty Work

Mahalia Jackson Theater Opera Festival Der Rosenkavalier

Polo Club Lounge Bean N’ The Boys

Snug Harbor John Ellis & Double-Wide

The Howlin’ Wolf Brad Kofman

The Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

NOLA Funk Fest Reveal Lineup Show

The NOLA Funk Fest Reveal Lineup Show at Tipitina’s will showcase this year’s festival performers. Irma Thomas, Cyril Neville, Jon Cleary, and many more will be featured at the concert. Saturday, March 28, 7 p.m., $39.63, tipitinas.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Bacchanal Wine Miles Berry

Bayou Bar Jordan Anderson

Blue Nile Afrobeat NOLA

Carrollton Station T Marie, MawMaw

Constantinople Stage Mia Borders

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Gatsu

House of Blues Carmine P. Filthy, Cary Hudson

Lafayette Square Rock & Rouge Fest: The Charmaine Neville Band, Kristin Diable

Polo Club Bean ‘N The Boys

Rock 'n’ Bowl Few Blue

Smoothie King Center Journey

Snug Harbor Cole Williams

Three Maries Leroy Jones Trio

Tipitina's NOLA Funk Fest Lineup Show

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

Bacchanal Wine Juan Tigre, Noah Young

Blue Nile Gumbo Funk, Street Legends Brass Band

Chickie Wah Wah The New Orleans Jazz Vipers

Gasa Gasa Die Spitz

House of Blues Tiffany Pollack

Joy Theater Watchhouse

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge Kermit Ruffins & The BBQ Swingers

Buffa’s David Doucet

Da Jump Off Lounge Sporty’s Brass Band

Don Jefes John Fohl

Gasa Gasa Dead Butterflies

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Kermit Ruffins, Irvin

Mayfield

Polo Club The David Boeddinghaus

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

Apple Barrel Bar Jackson’s Flying Circus

Bacchanal Wine Tangiers Combo

Bayou Bar Double Bird, Peter Harris

Gasa Gasa The Wedding Present

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Irvin Mayfield, Cyril Neville

New Orleans Jazz Museum JAS Street Horn Group, Anais St. John

Old Ursuline Convent Museum Dialogues des Carmélites

Polo Club John Royen

Saenger Theatre Santana

Siberia Clownvis Presley IV & the Strange Band, King Sickabilly

Snug Harbor Stanton Moore Trio

The Howlin Wolf NateWantsToBattle

The Rabbit Hole Rebirth Brass Band

The Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club

Lafayette Square Rock & Rouge Fest: The Charmaine Neville Band, Kristin Diable

Louis Armstrong Park Congo Square Rhythms

Festival

New Orleans Jazz Museum Danny Barker Fest

No Dice Redd Kross, Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends

Okay Bar Irish Folk Jam

Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

Republic NOLA Peaches

Snug Harbor Charlie Halloran, Tom Hook

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

The Spotted Cat Treme Brass Band

Tipitina’s Obituary

MONDAY, MARCH 30

Apple Barrel Decaturadio

Bacchanal Wine Byron Asher

Bamboula’s The New Orleans Rug Cutters, Jon Roniger Band

BJ’s Lounge Dayna Kurtz & Friends

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

Bayou Bar Firm Roots, Peter Harris

Cafe Nola NEICY B

Café Degas Gizinti Trio

Chickie Wah Wah Jon Cleary

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Model/Actriz, Touching Ice

Marigny Brasserie Legacy Jazz Band

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Kermit Ruffins

New Orleans Museum of Art Musical Encounters

Picnic Provisions & Whiskey Hypno Nun

Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

Siberia Ill Funeral, N.A.W.

The National WWII Museum Victory Belles

The Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

Tropical Isle Dave Ferrato, Dave James

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

Bayou Bar Cryptic, Peter Harris, Ricardo Pascal

MUSIC CALENDARLIVEMUSIC CALENDAR

Blue Nile Irvin Mayfield’s Music Church, DJ T-Roy

Chickie Wah Wah Sean Ardoin

D.B.A. New Orleans The Soul Rebels

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Saturdays at your place, Retirement Party

Hi Ho Lounge Moon Walker, Demi the Daredevil Polo Club John Royen

The Howlin Wolf Joey Falcone, Hypno Nun & Friends

The Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band

Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry & the Treme Funktet

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

Bacchanal Wine David Sigler, Willie Green

Bayou Bar Oh Yeah!, Peter Harris

Blue Nile Strange Roux

Chickie Wah Wah Racoma with St Yuma

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Paco Troxclair Live

J’s Place Neauxla New Groove Brass Band

Jazz National Historical Park Johnette

Downing

Polo Club The Bean ‘N The Boys, David Boeddinghaus

Republic NOLA YDG: You + Me Forever Tour

Saturn Bar Una Noche de Música Latina

con La Tran-K

Smoothie King Center New Edition

The Spotted Cat Paradise Jazz Band

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

Blue Nile Lyndsey Smith

Chickie Wah Wah Barns Courtney Unplugged Solo Sessions

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Dew Drop Inn Legends of the Dew Drop Live Music

Brunch: Road to Rock & Roll

Gasa Gasa The Broken View, Paco Troxclair Live

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge Kermit

Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers

Le Bon Temps Roule Atom Cat

Le Petit Theatre New Orleans Spice Jazz Brunch Trio

New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market Stanton Moore:

The Music of Allen Toussaint

Polo Club The Bean ‘N The Boys, John Royen

Rock 'n' Bowl Paperchase

Tipitina’s Rebirth Brass Band

SUNDAY, APRIL 5

AllWays Lounge Swing Night

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young, Tangiers Combo

Buffa’s Traditional Jazz Brunch with Some Like It Hot

Gasa Gasa The Broken View

Le Petit Theatre New Orleans Spice Jazz Brunch Trio

Maison Bourbon The Leroy Marshall Band

Okay Bar Irish Folk Jam

Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

The Spotted Cat Treme Brass Band

MONDAY, APRIL 6

Apple Barrel Bar Mark Appleford

Buffa’s

the Roadhouse Band

Fillmore Mariah the Scientist

House of Blues The Growlers

Irene’s Monty Banks

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Irvin Mayfield ft. Cyril

Neville

Polo Club John Royen

The Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

Bayou Bar Firm Roots, Peter Harris

Cafe Nola Neicy B & Kompani

Café Beignet Bob Macy

Café Degas Gizinti Trio

Chickie Wah Wah Quarters with Charlie Burg

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Irene’s Monty Banks

Marigny Brasserie Legacy Jazz Band

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Irvin Mayfield

Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers

Le Bon Temps Roule Spoonfed Jr.

Le Petit Theatre New Orleans Spice Jazz Brunch Trio

New Orleans Museum of Art Local Musicians

Orpheum Theater Leonid & Friends

Polo Club The Bean ‘N the Boys, John Royen

The Spotted Cat Shake’em Up Jazz Band

Tipitina’s Mei Semones

SUNDAY, APRIL 12

Bacchanal Wine Noah Young, Tangiers Combo

Chickie Wah Wah The New Orleans Jazz Vipers

New Orleans Jazz & Blues Market George Porter Jr. with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Picnic Provisions & Whiskey Mikayla Braun Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

The Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

Tipitina’s Loyola’s Uptown Threauxdown

Tropical Isle Dave Ferrato with Dave James

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

Bayou Bar Double Bird, Peter Harris, Ashlin Parker

Blue Nile Irvin Mayfield’s Music Church, Reggae

Night

Buffa’s Tom McDermott, Aurora Nealand

Café Beignet Bob Macy

Chickie Wah Wah Nether Hour

D.B.A. New Orleans The Soul Rebels

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Irene’s Monty Banks

Polo Club John Royen

The Howlin Wolf Christine Ohlman, Charmaine Neville

The Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band

Vaughan’s Lounge Corey Henry & the Treme Funktet

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

Bacchanal Wine David Sigler, Willie Green

Bayou Bar Oh Yeah!, Peter Harris

Café Beignet Bob Macy

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Fillmore New Orleans Ole 60

House of Blues The Fab Four

Irene’s Monty Banks

J’s Place Neauxla New Groove Brass Band

Jazz National Historical Park Johnette Downing

Family Music Series

Le Bon Temps Roule Hash Cabbage

Polo Club The Bean ‘N The Boys, David Boeddinghaus

Siberia Pinc Louds, Mira Lazuli

Smoothie King Center Cody Johnson, Jason Aldean

The Spotted Cat Dirty Tuba, Paradise Jazz Band

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

Blue Nile Big Sam and Friends

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Gasa Gasa Merce Lemon with Thomas Dolbaum

Kermit’s Tremé Mother-in-Law Lounge Kermit

Smoothie King Center Cody Johnson, Jason Aldean

Le Petit Theatre New Orleans Spice Jazz Brunch Trio

New Orleans Museum of Art Local Musicians

Okay Bar Irish Folk Jam

Polo Club David Boeddinghaus

Smoothie King Center Cody Johnson, Jason Aldean

Snug Harbor Shawan Rice, Johanna Rose

The Howlin Wolf Hot 8 Brass Band

The Spotted Cat Treme Brass Band

Tipitina’s Fais Do-Do with Bruce Daigrepont Cajun

Band

MONDAY, APRIL 13

Buffa’s David Doucet

Chickie Wah Wah HaSizzle and To Be Continued

Brass Band

Don Jefes John Frohl

Gasa Gasa Glixen, Trauma Ray

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Kermit Ruffins

NOLA Brewing Nola Pickin’ Party Bluegrass Jam

Polo Club the David Boeddinghaus

Poor Boys Decompression Mondays

Saturn Bar Piano Night with BC Coogan

The Howlin Wolf Marc Ridge & the Revelers and Friends

TUESDAY, APRIL 14

Quarter

Orleans Voodoo Tour

Walking Tour $30 7:30 - Fri./Sat./Sun.

& 8:15pm Nightly

Walking Tour $30 5:15pm & 7:45pm Nightly ALL OF THE ABOVE TOURS MEET

Apple Barrel Bubbles Brown, Jackson’s Flying Circus

Audubon Clubhouse Blake Amos

Bayou Bar The OG’s, Peter Harris

Buffa’s Alex McMurray

Gasa Gasa Pump Action & the Retrograde

Irene’s Monty Banks

Maison Bourbon Danny Rubio & the Catahoula Music Company

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Irvin Mayfield ft. Cyril Neville

Okay Bar Best Intentions, Leonie Evans

The Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Smoking Time Jazz Club

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

Bayou Bar Firm Roots, Peter Harris

Cafe Nola R&B Bingo with NEICY B

Café Degas Gizinti Trio

Chickie Wah Wah The Thing

Davenport Lounge Jeremy Davenport

Irene’s Monty Banks

Marigny Brasserie Legacy Jazz Band

Mayfield’s 208 Bourbon Irvin Mayfield ft. Kermit Ruffins

Polo Club The David Boeddinghaus

The National WWII Museum Victory Belles Matinee Luncheon

The Spotted Cat Chris Christy Band, Shotgun Jazz Band

Walking Tour $30 10:15am & 1:15pm Daily Departs from Morning Call Coffee Shop, 5101 Canal Blvd.

Celebrate Celebrate

Earth Day in NOLA

Earth Day can be more than remembering to drop off those glass bottles. It can be an opportunity to join a local organization and get your hands muddy.

Hands-on Volunteer Opportunities to Celebrate

Earth Day in New Orleans

Locals are invited to garden, clean up, volunteer at local non-profits, and attend local events to celebrate. Here are some opportunities and events to choose from in New Orleans for 2026.

There is an array of exciting Earth Day events on Earth Day: the Audubon Zoo’s annual Earth Fest, City Park’s Heart of the Park Hat Luncheon with the Urban Forestry program and Town Gardeners, the Louisiana Bucket Brigade Annual Celebration, and the St. Charles Parish Trash Bash celebrations are all open to the public.

A major Earth Day event to check out would be the New Orleans Earth Day Festival on April 11 at The Broadside. This free event promotes sustainability and will feature live performances by The Soul Rebels, Gov’t Majik, and more.

Dillard, Tulane, and Loyola University each host annual Earth Day festivals. Dillard University’s Annual Earth Day Celebration on April 22 offers environmental education tips, hands-on plant care workshops, and arts and crafts. Tulane University’s The Earth Day Festival on April 11 takes place in Pocket Park on campus. Learn from environmental organizations spreading awareness, grab a bite from food vendors, see live music, and even take part in art competitions. The community is invited to volunteer at the festival and get involved. Loyola University will also celebrate Earth Week from April 16 to 22, starting off with a ceremonial Mass and a Bat Walk. Throughout the week are farmers markets, an animal showcase, clean-up walks, a sustainability fair, and evening stargazing to close out the week.

If you’re looking for in-depth opportunities, then check out the on-going list of non-profits. One of the best ways to celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2026, is to volunteer and donate to local environmental sustainability projects and non-profits such as Common Ground, Meraux Foundation, the Green Project, Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana, NOLA Tree Project, Mississippi River Delta Institute, Soul NOLA, Ground Works NOLA, Central Wetlands Reforestation Collective, Wetland Watchers K-12, Recirculating Farms, Parkway Partners, and Glass Half Full Volunteer opportunities happen year-round both in the heart of the city and the surrounding rural Louisiana areas.

For our green-thumbers itching to get dirty, becoming an active member in the city’s on-going environmental initiatives is the long-term goal—not on just one day but every day. Planting trees or grasses with local non-profits is a great way to start to celebrate in cooler months in the year.

Coastal and Environmental Program Director at the Meraux Foundation Blaise Pezold said April is typically the last suitable month to plant trees in our region, as rising temperatures heading into summer make it harder for young trees to grow. He said April is a transition month that moves out of tree planting into grass planting. Pezold recommends grass planting opportunities with the Coalition to Restore Coastal

// VIOLET BUCARO

Louisiana organization for the hotter months including this April.

Pezold also works with Common Ground Relief and said volunteering opportunities are always fulfilling. “You’re going to get really muddy. You’ll feel good after that day,” Pezold relayed.

While not all environmental non-profits host Earth Day events, many still celebrate through on-going initiatives and seasonal projects that the public can support year-round. Planting trees and greenery is a popular way organizations give back to the city. You can also invest your time and donate money locally or nationally such as the Earth Day Foundation or the Arbor Day Foundation, according to Pezold. “I think of Earth Day as year-round,” Pezold said, emphasizing that environmental action should extend beyond a single day on the calendar.

That sentiment is shared by Connie Uddo, founder of the NOLA Tree Project, who also views Earth Day as every day. Uddo plants trees in neutral ground public green spaces through partnerships with local groups and corporate companies. The trees are purchased from local farmers on the Northshore and Belle Chasse, made possible by major local sponsors and businesses such as Entergy and Enterprise.

She said her planting season runs from late October through mid-March, the prime time to root. In addition, she hosts Big TREEsy Giveaways throughout the city, offering more than 35 varieties of trees ranging from flower and fruit trees from Belle Chasse to great oaks from local farmers. “The reason why we give away trees at our giveaways is to encourage people to plant on their own properties,” Uddo said. “I always tell people, [if] you want to really help your neighborhood, your city, your community, plant on your property.”

Uddo was inspired to start the Big TREEsy giveaways when she noticed that the neighborhood trees NOLA Tree Project were planting weren’t properly being taken care of or watered. So Uddo reimagined her planting strategy. She realized she wanted people to come to her for trees to plant for their own, giving away over more than 4,000 trees, according to Uddo.

Instead of planting trees for the residents themselves, she wanted to inspire people to come to her and plant their own trees. Big TREEsy began hosting giveaways at central locations, where community members learn how to plant them properly at home in workshops.

Looking for a fruit to grow for your own? Uddo sells lemon, orange, satsuma, fig, blackberries, and citrus plants, as well.

Whether you’re picking up trash, planting greens, attending local events, or volunteering with the community, every small, hands-on action helps protect our city. Keep New Orleans blooming and attend our city’s events during this Earth Day season.

The Planet We Call Home

Resources to Celebrate Earth Day

It’s

never too late to take up your part in helping out sustainable efforts or extending your reach with ways to go green. New Orleans offers plenty of unique ideas

and examples of positive community support that will inspire you this Earth Day. // FRANCES DEESE

While it may not produce such scares or dire straits as a scene from The Pelican Brief, environmental effects impact each of us in our everyday lives. From more common occurrences such as litter to larger ramifications such as land and coastal erosion, each brings its own negative consequences to the planet we call home. Despite having become ingrained in the zeitgeist, terms such as “reduce, reuse, and recycle” or, in more recent popularity, “sustainability” still leave many of us with much to learn. Yet, each individual can play their part to cultivate awareness and work together in supporting these causes. Here, Louisianians understand the rich biodiversity of their state and the importance in protecting this beautiful corner of the world. In New Orleans, these sustainable efforts have their own flair and fun.

When it comes to going green, out-of-thebox thinking can produce exciting solutions. After she couldn’t find quite what she had in mind for volunteering, Alison Parker founded ricRACK in 2012 to utilize her extensive knowledge from her career in film and theater costume design for a good cause. The organization first provided sewing classes to children and then, as parents’ interest grew, classes for adults, as well. In addition to utilizing donated fabrics in these classes, the fabrics they receive also go to two other avenues. One is their Creative Reuse Shop for all types of fabric art supplies. They also send what can’t go into classes or the shop to a textile recycling facility, which then outsources it for anything from mattresses to sports equipment. They also have an exciting lineup to celebrate Earth Day. Their Earth Day Designer Challenge features local designers creating upcycled pieces using mystery items such as Mardi Gras tunics for last year’s challenge. Once crafted, they are displayed and then auctioned to support the non-profit. They’ll also have a RE-Maker’s market on April 22 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a plethora of vendors and educational booths to honor the day.

What began as a literal grass roots movement, having been founded in a backyard in town by Franziska Trautmann and Max Steit, Glass Half Full has now grown to encompass multiple forms of glass recycling and community partnerships. Their more traditional glass recycling programs serve residential areas and commercial pick-ups. Their commercial operations may serve your favorite restaurants or bars, having expanded operations across the city, as well as into Baton Rouge, the Northshore, and even areas in Mississippi and Alabama. They’ve also made strides in helping events go green with partnerships including French Quarter Fest. In addition, after receiving grant funding from the National Science Foundation, they developed research to create a sand from glass to serve as a support for

restoration projects such as for marshland erosion. They’ve turned these wins into a wider reach by growing public awareness and understanding about glass recycling.

Research has shown plastics can take anywhere from several decades to 500 years to decompose. Finding ways for more and more people to reduce their reliance on them can lead to less plastic pollution. Vintage Green Review offers many plastic free and eco-friendly solutions for the home, personal care, and even pets, as well. While you’ll be helping the planet, their refill bar is a great way for your wallet to thank you as buying in bulk can help cut costs. Small business owners can also check out their options to spread sustainability. As their name implies, we once went without plastics and can creatively find ways to use less of them once again.

Inspired by a way to make sustainability more accessible, Nola Cans 4 Good has created a holistic mission for eco-friendly solutions that serve the community. They bridge this gap by taking funds from recycling aluminum goods and using this cash to cook meals to stock community fridges. They offer free drop off sites or sliding scale pay options of $2 to $10 a month for collections of aluminum goods. To support their fresh meals in community fridges, they also look for donations of disposable utensils and undamaged reusable plastic containers. They showcase the ability to utilize social media in a positive manner to spread awareness of their work and sustainability. They are always looking for volunteers to help support their cause.

A little dirt never hurts anybody. Compost, which is a sort of dirt cousin made of decomposed organic matter, is found to provide numerous benefits. From reducing landfill waste to serving as a great benefit to soil health in gardens, Compost NOW offers several options for creating your own compost by applying for at home options or contributing to a community compost through food scrap collections with drop off sites. Check out their pop up booths around town or their volunteering opportunities to grow your knowledge about composting.

While individual efforts always create impacts when it comes to being more eco-friendly, finding ways to take part in your village extends the ripple effect of change. Volunteering your time at a local community garden can be one such impact, thereby supporting local produce initiatives. Due to less time that it has to travel on cargo planes or trucks, local and fresh produce is able to lose less of its nutrients and provide more health benefits. In town gardens such as Sprout Nola or Crown Community Garden in NOLA are great options for becoming involved and making access to fresh produce for all easier.

Geauxing Green

All About the Green Project’s Recycling Center

Louisiana boasts beautiful coastal marshes and waterways, but, for all of the state’s natural beauty, protecting it seemingly isn’t always a priority.

You’re more likely to come upon a broken bottle on the sidewalk than one in a recycling bin on the streets of New Orleans due to the fact that the city doesn’t even accept glass in curbside recycling pick-ups. But the dedicated team of environmentalists at the Green Project have made it their mission to preserve as much of our natural resources as they can with multiple recycling, reuse, and educational programs designed to get everyone in the community to participate in that effort.

Linda Stone, a former researcher with the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, and her artist friend, Suzanne Durham, founded the Green Project in 1994. On a return visit to her native California, Stone had visited San Francisco’s transfer station and its Artist in Residence program, where art and sculpture were created from items found in the landfill, and an East Bay paint recycling center, where they mixed old latex paint into new batches. The Green Project started as a paint exchange program to combat the problem of urban runoff, the paint people pour down drains that get into the local waterbodies and becomes a major pollutant. When the paint began coming in, Durham developed an art program for kids, as well.

The paint-recycling program educates the public on proper paint disposal in order to prevent water contamination. Bad paint can’t be thrown away in liquid form due to leakage concerns and ensuing

environmental problems. It first must be dried out and hardened. Latex paint is water based and therefore is safe to recycle. Stain or oil based paint is flammable and not recyclable. It is considered household hazardous waste.

Formal classroom lessons were instituted in 2012, covering a range of sustainability topics based on teacher requests. The Environmental Education program, open to grades K-12, prompts students to consider the questions of who should be required to pay for disposal costs—the companies who made and sold something, the individuals who bought it, or the local government—as well as what happens to unwanted stuff. Contamination of the recycling stream, when something that can’t be recycled is mixed in with materials intended to be recycled, is also covered.

The student-led recycling initiative, a free semester-long program that takes place in schools and is led by a “Green Team” of students, involves practical learning and helps the school connect with a recycling company to establish a recycling program.

After the facility relocated from Mid-City to the Bywater in 1998, another major component of the project was added called the Salvage Store, a retail operation born from the project’s Building Materials Exchange program. The store sells architectural salvage, which can be reused or repurposed and helped the project become profitable.

It also netted a grant from the Environmental

// BEAUREGARD TYE

Protection Agency. Local architect Daniel Winkert was the one who wrote the grant proposal, according to Stone. The new program proved to be less labor intensive, as well. It was a lot of work sorting through the donations and organizing them for sale but not as much as mixing the paint. To date, 2,000,000 pounds of material has been saved from becoming landfill.

Salvaging building materials is not only a benefit to the environment, it’s a boon to local culture, as well. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, many architectural building parts that would have been wasted were donated and eventually used in new construction. Salvation, an annual design competition featuring original art, furniture, lighting, and other functional objects made from reclaimed materials, takes place each spring, with the winners announced at a gala in the fall. It has featured work produced by over one hundred Louisiana designers. The winning entries are auctioned off live and the proceeds get split between the designers and the Green Project.

Launched in 2021, the M.E.S.S. Lab (Math, English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science) uses the project’s paint recycling program as an opportunity for students to learn about recycling by taking a more active part in it. The key feature of the M.E.S.S. Lab is the hands-on experience with the recycling process that it provides, with students collecting

paint and creating a new product from it and then marketing it to the community. Students work in small teams to make five gallons of their chosen color. Old containers of paint are poured through a screen and combined with an electric mixer to recreate colors or make new ones, producing five-gallon, one-gallon, and quart-sized batches of paint. The resulting colors can’t be exactly matched or reproduced, so buyers need to know how much paint they’re going to need and purchase accordingly.

While the in-class lessons are a passive learning experience, the lab offers program participants experience with a sustainable business model and a circular economy as they work in a team to create a recycled product from a community waste stream that people will buy for use in their homes. Proceeds from paint sales help to keep the program sustainable, and the customer can further the goals of the program by sharing a picture with a hashtag and a description of how and where the paint was used.

The various programs are all designed to encourage people to think about reducing first. If over-consumption can be reduced, then there is no waste material to be dealt with.

Festive

Bites

Where to Get Jazz Fest Food Favorites Year-Round

// MICHELLE NICHOLSON

For many, Jazz Fest food is its own tradition: the first bite of crawfish bread, the powdered sugar cloud from a beignet, or the heat of something fried and dressed. The best part is that you don’t have to wait in line at the fest to partake in that tradition. Many Jazz Fest vendors serve their signature favorites year-round at restaurants scattered across the city and surrounding areas.

MID-CITY: BOILED SEAFOOD, SHAWARMA, AND VEGAN SOUL

At Clesi’s Seafood, the festival spirit shows up in the menu’s greatest hits. Go for gator bites—fried or blackened—or turn them into a po-boy if you want a complete meal. For a plate that duplicates what they dish out at the Fair Grounds, order the “Messy Clesi,” a crowd-pleasing pile of crawfish étouffée over dirty rice.

A few blocks away, Mona’s Café keeps things simple. Their gyro and falafel sandwiches stay in rotation for a reason, and the hummus with pita is a reliable add-on. If you want something crisp and fresh alongside all that comfort, order the Greek garden salad to balance out your meal.

Then there’s Sweet Soulfood, whose comfort staples are always vegan and still deeply satisfying. Sweet potatoes, collard greens, and cornbread anchor the week, with sweet heat cauliflower popping up on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It’s the kind of place that makes “plant-based” feel irrelevant. This is just good food.

TREMÉ: CREOLE STAPLES AND HAITIAN HEAT

Lil’ Dizzy’s Café delivers what so many Jazz Fest meals promise—big New Orleans flavor, no performance required. Their Creole gumbo runs all week long: dark, steady, and dependable. Fridays bring a special worth planning around. Their Crawfish Jordan, similar to their usual Jazz Fest offerings, is topped with shrimp and crabmeat in a decadent lemon-butter sauce.

Nearby, Fritai serves a year-round lineup that reads like a Jazz Fest greatest hits set. The grilled shrimp pikliz lands bright and spicy with slaw and avocado. Add Haitian crab macaroni au gratin for something creamy and craveable, then finish with passion fruit wings that balance sweet and heat.

CBD, FRENCH QUARTER, & MARIGNY: SUGAR AND SPICE AND A COUPLE LUCKY DOGS

There are a few hankerings that are non-negotiable.

Café du Monde is one of them. Beignets and café au lait are the move, whether you take your coffee hot, iced, or frozen. Milk or chocolate milk is a quiet win, too, especially when the powdered sugar is doing so much.

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is another easy “yes.” The pralines come in every flavor imaginable: pecan, coconut, chocolate, and rum. Their stuffed beignets rotate seasonally, but Jazz Fest favorites often return such as praline-stuffed, chocolate, and the head-turner, lump crab.

into leftovers, and the kind of leftovers you’re happy to see. With locations in Terrytown, Marrero, and Algiers, it’s never been more convenient to be so full on the Westbank.

Over on Royal Street, Bennachin brings spicy West African flavors that feel right at home in a city built on global roots. Order the Jazz Fest combo of jama jama (sautéed spinach), fried plantains, and poulet fricasse (chicken on a stick), or pick your favorites à la carte and build your own plate.

And then there’s Lucky Dog, a French Quarter classic with Bourbon Street and Caesars outposts. Go jumbo or regular and load it up with chili, cheese, jalapeños, the whole shebang. It’s messy, salty, and exactly right for nightly pilgrimages downtown.

NEW ORLEANS EAST: VIETNAMESE FAVORITES AND LOCAL LEGACIES

Ba Mien Vietnamese is a go-to for vermicelli bowls (a.k.a. bún), spring rolls, and crisp Vietnamese egg rolls that disappear fast. They’re fresh, filling, and built for repeat visits—especially when you want something bright and balanced after days of fried everything.

For something louder, Walker’s Southern Style BBQ is famous for cochon de lait po-boys, as well as for selling out before closing time. So arrive early, and order with confidence. This is the kind of sandwich that makes you understand why people plan their festival days around one booth.

If you’re chasing that classic “hot, fried, dressed” New Orleans moment, Vucinovich’s is a direct route. For over 40 years, they’ve kept the po-boy tradition old-school, serving their loyal lunch clients their Jazz fest regulars: fried shrimp, fried oysters, panéed chicken, chicken parmesan, and more.

METAIRIE: PASTRY CASES AND FRIED SEAFOOD Angelo’s Bakery & Catering is a reminder that the region’s sweet tooth has range. You might not find every “official” fest item (cream puffs, chocolate éclairs, chocolate pecan turtles, and brownies), but you are guaranteed a wide lineup of Italian-Creole cookies and small sweets built for sharing.

For fried seafood, The Galley is a steady favorite. The fried soft-shell crab po-boy is the move, and the fried catfish filet po-boy is a close second: simple, satisfying, and exactly what it should be—deliciously New Orleans.

BONUS: THE FREEZER AISLE AND THE SHIPPEDTO-YOUR-DOOR SOLUTION

Not every Jazz Fest craving requires a restaurant. Quintin’s Natural Ice Cream & Sorbet’s Mango Freeze is the easiest year-round fix—bright, cold, and exactly what you want when it’s already hot out. Then there’s crawfish bread. Panorama Foods ships its famous crawfish bread straight from the source, so you can recreate that foil-wrapped moment anytime. Several local restaurants also offer their own versions, including Mr. Ed’s, Morrow’s, and Pepperoni Ray’s, proof that some festival legends refuse to stay seasonal.

In New Orleans, the best part of Jazz Fest is that its spirit continues and that the flavors of the festival won’t ever stop.

Field To Table

Louisiana Sugarcane

//EMILY HINGLE

Sugar is one of Louisiana’s most successful industries, providing about 20% of the nation’s sweet fixation. Louisiana sugarcane is grown over 530,000 acres of land in 25 parishes.

According to the American Sugar Cane League’s 2024 report, “Production should exceed 16 million tons of cane and has an economic impact of $2.3 billion to the cane growers and raw sugar factories of the state.” Directly and indirectly, the state’s sugarcane industry employs 16,670 workers.

Sugarcane cuttings were brought to Caribbean islands and North America by European colonizers who created cash crop industries, along with rice and tobacco, using enslaved labor. Sugarcane was planted in New Orleans in 1751 by Jesuit priests at their church on Baronne Street. The American Sugar Cane League expands on this history, “Several plantations were planted in what is now the city limits of New Orleans, and, in 1795, Étienne de Boré first granulated sugar on a commercial scale in Audubon Park. Except for disastrous production years during the Civil War, during a disease epidemic of the 1920s, and from 10-degree freezing temperatures affecting the 1990 crop, the Louisiana sugarcane industry has continued to increase in productivity, mainly due to

improved varieties, cultural practices, pest control, and

sugar processing techniques.”

The sugarcane-to-sugar process begins with stalks that are cut short after harvesting. New buds grow at the joints, meaning stalks can be harvested for three or four years. The stalks grow several feet in height from spring to fall before being harvested. The American Sugar Cane League further explained, “All Louisiana sugarcane is mechanically harvested using either soldier or combine type harvesters. Soldier harvesters cut off the cane tops, cut the stalks from their attachment to the row, and lay them on heaps behind the machine. After the cane heaps are burned to remove excess trash, cane loaders place the cane in large wagons for transport to the raw sugar factories. Combine harvesters cut the stalks into short pieces or billets, while extractor fans remove a portion of the leaf trash. Billets are then transported to the factories.”

At the Lula Sugar Factory in Belle Rose, south of Donaldsonville, trucks unload freshly-cut sugarcane

stalks from nearby fields onto scales that dump the product into a whirring mill that outputs brown sugar simultaneously. “It takes between 24 and 48 hours [to go from stalk to raw sugar],” Lewis Savoie, stakeowner of the mill and owner of Cane Sugar Toffee Company, said. “It’s cut in the fields, then it’s hauled to the mill by trucks. They weigh the cane when it comes in here. Then they weigh it again over there to make sure they have the tonnage right. The cane gets poured into a chute, and that’s going into the mill. That’s where the process starts.”

Sugarcane stalks are washed, shredded, and squeezed under heavy rollers to extract the sweet juice from the pulp. The pulp, called bagasse, can be used as a biofuel, substrate, or many other things. The cane juice is strained and clarified with lime to remove mud and impurities before being boiled to turn it into a syrup. When the syrup is heated under a partial vacuum, crystals begin to form. This substance is moved to a centrifuge, which separates the crystallized sugar from excess syrup, a.k.a. molasses. Molasses, in this form, can be used for livestock feed or to produce liquor and vinegar.

Lewis and his wife Lynn opened Cane Sugar Toffee Company, the popular raw sugar toffee company in Donaldsonville’s historic district, in 2024, and they often sell out of the namesake sweet treat. Though Lewis' family worked in sugarcane farming and milling for generations, he worked around the nation before returning to his hometown. “Something happened about 20 years ago, and it just dawned on me that I’m very much a part of the land. I’m a part of the sugar industry even though I never worked in it, my family did. I decided that I was going to come back and promote this industry, and that’s how we started making toffee. It’s from that that I’ve learned more about my family and their interest in it and the contribution of the farm to the table. There’s a lot of small businesses that exist today because of the sugar industry. It’s a major economic boon to this state and to the country.”

The raw sugar crystals are moved over to a warehouse, where it is heaped into a pyramidshape that can reach up to 60 feet high. It is then transported to a refinery that turns raw brown sugar into white sugar through a process of melting and recrystalization. Molasses can be added back to the white sugar in 5-15% quantities to create brown sugar. ”It’s bigger than what people understand. It’s really a huge process,” Savoie said.

Louisiana grown and processed sugar and its byproducts can be found in many locally-made products. Steen’s Pure Cane Syrup bottles sugarcane syrup, as well as molasses, cane vinegar, and cane sugar pepper jelly. Sugarfield Spirits in Gonzales, Bayou Rum in Lacassine, and Oxbow Rum in Baton Rouge all proudly use Louisiana grown and processed sugarcane products to craft their spirits.

There could be even more uses for Louisiana’s sweetest crop in the future. Sugarcane can be used to make natural glycolic acid, a popular ingredient in skincare products. Brazil has even been fueling cars with sugar-derived ethanol for many years.

An Easter Table in Bloom

Fresh floral ideas and expert tips for an Easter table that pops

With Easter just a hop away, nothing captures its joyful spirit like a vibrant floral arrangement bursting with blues, greens, yellows, pinks, and purples to brighten your holiday table.

While seasonal blooms such as daffodils, tulips, lilies, and lilacs are popular this time of year, you can explore your creativity by mixing favorite flowers into a personalized floral design. Here are several inspiring ideas from local florists and designers to help your spaces and spirits bloom this Easter.

“Most holidays lean to traditional color,” Margaret Ludwig, a local floral designer and owner of Giverny Design, said. “For Easter, pastels are always trending with more spring flowers like tulips, daffodils, ranunculus, anemones, and muscari. But color is what dictates it.” Ludwig, who apprenticed as a floral designer at the White House in 2012, has been creating chic floral designs and imaginative visions for local weddings, parties, and special events since 2013. “When a client contacts me, I start by seeing pictures of the dining room area,” Ludwig said. “It is a collaboration of things that drives the design, then you build on color.”

She pointed out that the size and shape of the dining room table, along with the plates and linens, help determine whether a single large centerpiece or multiple small arrangements are most appropriate. “The diameter of the Easter table dictates the styling and size of the centerpiece,” Ludwig said. “You want the centerpiece to be proportional in order to use the right sized container for the flowers.”

Another key consideration, Ludwig added, is whether the Easter table is set formally. In those cases, she noted, floral arrangements should suit the size of the table and remain below the diner’s sight line. “The average sight line is about 14-15 inches above the table,” she said.

According to Ludwig, single bud vases or petite arrangements spaced

along a dining table are especially vogue right now. “In my mind, I envision it,” Ludwig said. “I make a recipe for each container and choose flowers accordingly. I tend to use roses as building blocks coupled with base color accents for the design.”

Arrangements featuring richly textural blooms that evoke a meadow-inspired look have also gained momentum, according to Ludwig. Built from a mix of smaller flowers, berries, and textural foliage, these designs favor a gathered, organic feel rather than a single focal bloom.

Easter brunch and dinner tables offer the perfect backdrop for spring florals to shine. For this holiday, Monique Chavin, owner and one of the floral designers at Mitch’s Flowers on Magazine Street, turns to a wide palette of pastel and bold colored blooms including ranunculus, hyacinths, hydrangeas, roses, and freesia. “The focal flowers can be roses or hydrangeas,” Chauvin said. “The accent flowers can be tulips, freesia, scabiosa, or hyacinths. We do arrangements in house and have year-round flowers in stock. Everything is sold by the stem.”

Known for her distinctive floral creations, Chauvin works with fresh-cut flowers grown both locally and abroad, ensuring high quality. “Generally, there is only a three to five day window for the longevity of these flowers,” Chauvin said. “We can deliver flowers on the same day if the customer is not particular. But for special occasions or holidays, we would need two weeks advance notice to order the flowers.”

Like Chauvin, Ludwig sources her flowers from local and national wholesalers to add fresh color and a festive touch to each centerpiece. For a truly bespoke feel, she sometimes works with a local grower. “I like to use local growers to add a truly unique touch to arrangements,” Ludwig said.

One such local farmer is Megan Bayha, owner of Baby T-Rex Farms, a small farming operation in New Orleans since 2017. She noted that lilies and poppies are among the most requested blooms for Easter. “Growing specialty cut flowers in our subtropical climate can be a challenge,” said Bayha, who transformed a large backyard in Mid-City into an urban farm. “Many of the high-end varieties we cultivate must be seeded in the fall, relying on cooler temperatures to carry them through to their spring bloom. To grow specialty tulips, we utilize our walk-in cooler.”

The same holds true for another Easter favorite—lilies. “We also coax lilies into bloom by planting their bulbs in crates and carefully timing their growth,” Bayha said. “The result is an ever-changing cast of possible focal flowers, lilies, Italian cutting petunias, poppies, anemones, ranunculus, sunflowers, marigolds, and zinnias, all dependent on the weather.”

Whether you choose tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, or roses, these seasonal flowers can be arranged together or showcased solo to add a vibrant pop of color to any Easter table. From bold blooms to delicate pastels, a floral centerpiece does more than complement your dishes. It brings color, texture, and life to the table, adding beauty, personality, and a celebratory spirit to your Easter gathering.

Here is a quick do-it-yourself checklist, provided by Giverny Design, to help you craft and create your Easter table floral arrangement.

D-I-Y Checklist:

1. Lay out your table and decide if you’re using specific linens, place settings, table cloths, napkins.

2. Pick your primary and secondary color to match the flowers.

3. Choose which flowers you like in those colors.

4. Figure out if you are creating a large centerpiece or several little bud vases sprinkled down the table. The size of the arrangement will dictate the quantity of flowers you need to buy (larger centerpieces need more flowers).

5. Check out your local florist such as Mitch’s Flowers for your Easter table arrangement. Or, you can source your flowers from your local farmers market, or even the grocery store, and see what flowers are available.

Boucherie I

t’s been more than 17 years since Chef Nathanial Zimet’s BBQ dreams made the jump from the celebrated “Purple Truck” (aka Que Crawl) into a sidehall cottage on Jeanette Street. In the years since, the restaurant moved around the corner to a space on S. Carrollton Avenue (currently Cafethomas), launched the fast-casual “Cajun smokehouse” Bourrée with ‘que enthusiast Anthony Hietbrink right next door, and, after only a few years, jumped back to their iconic, piganointed cottage.

“It’s crazy. I sometimes look back and think, ‘How did I do that?’” Zimet reflected.

The Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef first opened Boucherie with a mind to offer a haute barbecue dining experience at a reasonable price. By using more affordable cuts and seasonal, locally-sourced

Revisiting restaurants covered years ago to see what’s

ingredients, diners were diving into bowls of watermelon and Creole tomato gazpacho with kaffir lime tuna ceviche before enjoying an entrée featuring their signature 12-hour roast beef po-boys served on Dong Phuong pistolettes with horseradish and pickled red onion.

In its early days, the Jeanette Street restaurant was unassuming—a petit, silvery-gray cottage tucked behind the bustling streetcars and businesses on Carrollton Avenue. Neighbors and visitors alike quickly developed favorites, dishes that remain on the menu to this day from their grilled Romaine Caesar salad to the melt-in-your-mouth smoked Wagyu beef brisket with moreish garlic parmesan fries. Let’s not forget about their desserts such as the famous Krispy Kreme bread pudding.

“A lot of my staples are still there,” Zimet said. “I think I’ve really been able to find the voice of Boucherie.”

When Boucherie moved into the old Café Granada space on S. Carrollton Avenue in 2015, the cottage on Jeanette was transformed

into Bourrée, originally a fresh fruit daiquiri and chicken wing concept created by Zimet and his business partner James Denio. But in that same year, longtime neighborhood pizza parlor Café Nino closed up shop and the duo jumped on the opportunity, moving Bourrée into a larger space that allowed an expanded menu, a butcher shop, and outdoor dining.

On its 10th anniversary, Boucherie returned to its home on Jeanette Street when owners quickly realized patrons missed the quaint, intimate dining vibe of their original location. The little cottage, stamped with a lilac pig in its pediment, had become an endearing brand, one diners were loath to relinquish.

The pandemic shutdowns in 2020 inspired Zimet to expand his school lunch program “Boucherie Feeds,” which now reaches over a dozen local schools from the Westbank to the Northshore. “I started to have kids, and I realized I wanted to be more present, but I was

changed,

or what’s deliciously stayed the same.

also thinking about how to give back to this community that has supported me so well.”

Late last year, Boucherie took a vital, twomonth break to avoid losing money during New Orleans’ infamous summer doldrums but not before announcing the opening of The Gardens at Bourrée, a vibrant “outdoor sanctuary” featuring the best of both kitchens. “The Gardens is an artistic expression of the senses paired with exceptional fare and libations, a farm-to-fairytale dreamscape we built for our patrons and our community to enjoy,”

Anthony Hietbrink, manager of

Bourrée, said.

Although the curated landscape began with brunches, the intent is for the space to evolve, offering the neighborhood an event venue hosting weddings and other private celebrations—which is booking up fast—to public events such as farmers’ markets and art bazaars. “I love catering, and it offers me the opportunity to basically cater in my backyard,” Zimet said. “It’s dreamy.”

Chef Zimet and his partners also recently acquired a large riverside warehouse, a cornerstone to support their adorably-dubbed new initiative Humble Bumble. In partnership with local farms, and Zimet’s own farm in Abita Springs, the program endeavors to grow produce for their school lunch program while simultaneously “creating a friendly space where neighbors can better themselves and improve their community through alternative methods of enrichment.”

Early in September 2025, Boucherie returned from their summer hiatus with a bang. “I opened with a chef’s tasting menu, a super-fine dining thing, which has always been my passion, like my gold standard way to eat.” After renovations, which included a shiny new paintjob transforming the charming cottage into a rich, boysenberry purple, Chef Zimet relaunched Boucherie as an uber fine-dining destination with a nine-course degustation menu.

For only $115 per person, remarkably reasonable given the everrising cost of food and current national economic policies, diners are transported with ajoblanco, an Andalusian white gazpacho made with almonds, lump crab cakes featuring Cambodian pickled crab dolloped with caviar crème fraîche, and Kabayaki-style Wagyu. There’s even an intermezzo course of dirty rice with foie gras and fried sweetbreads, and a palate-cleansing glacée is served before embarking upon crème brûlée donuts.

“To cook for people like that, you know the crescendo of multiple courses,” Zimet said. “Not just having the elements on the plate marry and sing, but this whole idea of sitting there for hours and being able to be just taken away with food.”

Habitual fans of the purple shack need not fret if the fancy new tasting menu is not up their alley. Boucherie still offers a taste of the classics, so you can have your blackened shrimp and grit cakes and eat them, too.

Bonafide splash . . . For over a decade, hungry diners have enjoyed fried chicken sandwiches and Belgian fries from Bonafried, which began life in 2014 as a popup and started rolling as a food truck two years later. People would flock to the truck, whether it was parked downtown near the hospital on Poydras or Uptown on the parade route during Mardi Gras. Early this year, Bonafried’s founders Stephen Maher and Rebecca Elizabeth Hollingsworth opened a brick and mortar in the former Splish Splash Washateria off Esplanade Avenue in Bayou St. John, and the joint is a-jumpin’. Loyal followers of the fried chicken food truck are ecstatic to have a spot to sit down and enjoy some of the best fried chicken sandwiches in the city.

3101 Grand Route St. John St., (504) 777-6550, @bonafriedtruck

Feed you? Feed me . . . Long home to destination restaurants in the French Quarter such as Marti’s and Peristyle, the Dumaine and Rampart street corner has a new tenant after being empty for over a decade. The historic space is now home to Succotash, Chef K’s (a.k.a. Kimberly Cochran) debut after honing her cooking skills as a private chef in Atlanta. “I like to say we take comfort food and elevate it just a touch, give it a little polish without losing the soul and personality of the dish—and me. I want people to taste the history in every bite but also be surprised by something new.”

Dishes include the Jacques, a salad with steamed and seasoned colossal LA shrimp, pickled English cucumber, and fresh tarragon, as well as a sous vide, crispy-skinned chicken, and oyster shooters.

1041 Dumaine St., (504) 290-8848, succotashnola.com

Need a lift? High Grinds is a new coffee and THC bar launched by a group of local business partners including Beth and Scott Galante of local law firm Galante & Ross LLC. Located on St. Charles Avenue in the same block as Care Forgot Beercraft and Avenue Pub, the café bills itself as a “wellness” business with specialty coffee drinks from Mojo Coffee Roasters, Gracious Bakery pastries, and THC gummies and beverages designed to “lift your day a little higher.”

Products include Make Em Say Uhh THC seltzer by Master P, Mambo Mixed Berry gummies, Cheech & Chong’s Space Chews, and more.

1722 St. Charles Ave., (504) 233-2122, @highgrindscoffee

A dapper dive . . . After serving the Uptown neighborhood for nearly a century, the Milan Lounge closed its doors last spring, and regulars were worried about its replacement. Would it still be the lovable neighborhood dive?

Restaurateur John Michael Rowland, owner of The Husky and Pigeon and Whale on Freret Street, purchased the bar and, after sprucing things up, relaunched around Christmastime, dubbing the refurbished space as Soon Enough. Called a “high dive,” Soon Enough serves mostly craft cocktails at $13 a pop. Gone are the days of nicotine-stained walls and $3 PBRs. While some accept the change, others are mourning their beloved dive.

1312 Milan St., @soonenoughnola

Ice cream to empanadas . . . NOLA-natives and Cuban Americans Fredo Noguiera and Ryan Iriarte have opened a new restaurant mere steps away from their Freret Street restaurant High Hat Café. Formerly home to Ice Cream 504, the single-shotgun space on Jena Street is now home to Café Conmigo Along with the stellar Cuban they sell at High Hat, the café’s focus is on Cuban-style, espresso coffee drinks and pastries from sweet croquetas and pastelitos to rich caramel flan. The Miami-style spot also offers cocktails such as mojitos and daiquiris.

2511 Jena St., @cafeconmignola

For the burbs … Pomegranate Hospitality, the restaurant group founded by Chef Alon Shaya and his wife Emily, recently opened Safta’s Table, a “neighborhood Mediterranean” restaurant in Lakeview. Located in a new mixed-use building by the lakefront, the restaurant is open daily from breakfast to dinner, offering familiar Israeli-inspired bites from Shaya’s Uptown restaurant Saba, as well as Greek, Italian, and Moroccan cuisine. An uber-casual style café, Safta’s also offers pre-packaged grab-and-go eats including hummus and heat-at-home lasagnas and casseroles.

129 Allen Toussaint Blvd. Ste. 103, (504) 355-0045, saftastable.com

Still seafood . . . For nearly 50 years, the denizens of Marrero have been enjoying the daily catch at Sal’s Seafood, from fried fish plates and shrimp with jambalaya to seafood gumbo. All that changed when its owners Sally and Ray Paninno, who were ready for retirement, approached Brandon Lefort of Lefort’s Seafood on Lapalco. “‘Would you maybe be interested’ were the words Sally asked when she called seemingly out of the blue.” Lefort’s, the little white seafood shack founded in 2004, is breathing new life into Sal’s old space, offering boiled and fried seafood from crawfish and blue crab to bang bang shrimp and jalapeño cheese alligator kickers.

1512 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, (504) 341-8112, @lefortsseafood

Fire burn and cauldron bubble

They’re brewing single-origin coffees and baking tasty treats on Canal Street at Witches Brew Coffee Co

Owners Paul DeSana and his partner Deanna Holdcraft launched the café early this year, offering artisanal, and historic, baked goods, lattes, “elixirs,” and matcha drinks. Witches Brew Coffee Co. is located beneath the Swan River Yoga studio, so after poses and breathwork, settle in for a cup of Wild Coast loose leaf tea or yaupon, also called “Carolina tea,” to reinvigorate your day. Also, feline familiar-lovers rejoice, because a portion of every purchase at the café goes towards supporting local cat shelters. 2940 Canal St., witchesbrew.co

DININGGUIDE

AMERICAN

Anita’s Grill serves a Southern menu that’s been unchanged for over a hundred years since it was originally Jerry’s in 1922. Enjoy their breakfast with the pork & eggs, or stop by for lunch and order one of their po-boys. 833 Howard Ave., (504) 354-8979, anitasgrillnola.com

Bearcat Café is a breakfast and lunch eatery with a menu that is hearty and vegan friendly. The menu is split in two. The Good Cat has nutrition-forward meals, and the Bad Cat has heartier comfort foods. Multiple Locations, bearcatcafe.com

Crescent City Steaks is a true NOLA institution. Opening their doors in 1934, this is the oldest steakhouse in Louisiana. Gather in their dining room or tuck away in the curtained booths and enjoy their acclaimed cuts sizzled in butter. 1001 N. Broad St, (504) 821-3271, crescentcitysteaks.com

Daisy Dukes Restaurant is a renowned Southern breakfast chain in New Orleans. They are famous for their all-day breakfasts featuring favorites such as the alligator omelet, chicken & waffles, and their awardwinning Bloody Mary, which can be bought by the bottle. Multiple Locations, daisydukesrestaurant.com

Desi Vega’s Steakhouse is a lively steakhouse in the CBD. Start your night off with one of their appetizers such as the crab cake or the steak bruschetta. Try their locally inspired cocktails or a wine from their premium selection. 628 St. Charles Ave., (504) 523-7600, desivegasteaks.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Craft Tavern offers a stylish dining experience. Its tavern-like dining room showcases a contemporary edge to its building in the Warehouse District. The menu offers classics such as the Bananas Foster waffle, po-boys, and seafood plates. 700 Tchoupitoulas St. #3612, (504) 613-2350, legacykitchen.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Steak + Chop combines steakhouse delicacies and seafood mainstays. With an array of shareables, small plates, and premium cut steaks; a curated list of sandwiches for lunch; and weekday specials, they are sure to satiate at any time of day. 91 Westbank Expy., Gretna, (504) 608-6082, legacykitchen.com

Luke is a lively brasserie in New Orleans. Their menu features a raw oyster bar and rich Creole dishes. Try their burger and the hot buttered crawfish bread. Luke keeps it fresh with their dedication to locally sourced ingredients. 333 St. Charles Ave., 504 378-2840, lukeneworleans.com

Moe’s Original BBQ brings Alabama-style barbecue to Metairie. Mentioned in several top 10 lists for BBQ, everything on their menu is prepared fresh daily. Stop by and try their pulled pork or smoked wings with cornbread. 1101 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 407-3533, moesoriginalbbq.com

New Orleans Vampire Café combines polished cuisine with spooky legends. Their menu offers highlights such as steak tartar, filet mignon, and blood orange crème brûlée. Pair your meal with a cocktail including the famous boozy blood bags. 801 Royal St., (504) 581-0801, nolavampirecafe.com

Rib Room has recently undergone an extensive

remodel that amplifies its upscale setting. It’s known for its slow-roasted prime rib and traditional New Orleans cuisine. Patrons can enjoy a jazz brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, bolstering its classy atmosphere. 621 St. Louis St., (504) 529-7045, ribroomneworleans.com

Sala NOLA is perfect for brunch and dinner. Choose from a selection of hearty Benedicts and omelets. They serve small plates and local delicacies including Gulf fish amandine. Sip on their craft cocktails or order bottomless mimosas for weekend brunch. 124 Lake Marina Dr., (504) 513-2670, salanola.com

Spudly’s Super Spuds has been serving Metairie since 1980. This family-friendly restaurant offers a “meal in a baked potato,” including the super duper, a baked potato medley loaded with seafood, cheeses, and seasonings. They also offer burgers and amazing appetizers. 2609 Harvard Ave., Metairie (504) 455-3250, spudlys.com

Vacca Steakhouse is an upscale restaurant blending classic steakhouse plates with elevated seafood dishes. Their atmosphere is chic and intimate, ideal for date nights. Featured steaks include the center cut filet and cowboy ribeye. They also offer a happy hour. 3524 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 3183808, vaccasteakhouse.com

Vampire Apothecary is casual dining with a vampiric twist. Their menu features unique plates, desserts, and themed cocktails. Beyond the vampiric cocktails and to-die-for dishes, they offer special made teas that are artfully tinned and sold in their shop. 725 St. Peter St., (504) 7668179, vampireapothecary.com

ASIAN

Rivershack Tavern serves a fresh, ingredient driven, comfort style menu with a smalltown flare. Visit them during special live music performances for their selection of local drafts, and try their garbage fries or their roast beef po-boy. 3449 River Rd., Jefferson, (504) 834-4938, rivershacktavern.com

Swamp Room Bar & Grill is a bar and kitchen that serves a large, comfort-driven menu. There is both bar and booth seating, as well as billiard tables. Outfitted in neon green lights, this is a lively place to visit. 5400 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 888-5242, theswamproom.com

imports premium tea from France, offering a high class experience. Pair your tea with one of Prince Tea House’s handmade desserts such as the strawberry matchamisu. 3012 N. Arnoult Rd. Ste. B, Metairie, (504) 330-0360, princeteahousenola.com

Willa Jean celebrates its Southern roots with an elevated and creative touch. They offer a variety of mouth-watering dishes all day, such as the fried chicken & Tabasco honey biscuit. Check out their pastry counter for freshly baked goods. 611 O’Keefe Ave., (504) 509-7334, willajean.com

CARIBBEAN

Jamaican Jerk House offers authentic, bold, and aromatic flavors. Patrons love their tender oxtails, curry shrimp and chicken, and jerk chicken. Committed to authenticity, they use traditional recipes and fresh ingredients to bring true Caribbean cuisine to New Orleans. Multiple Locations, jamaicanjerkhouse.com

ITALIAN

Mosca’s Restaurant has been serving their familystyle, Italian menu to the people of Westwego for nearly a century. Their history is preserved in the garlic stained, wood-paneled interior. Patrons love their oysters Mosca, chicken a la grande, and spaghetti bordelaise 4137 US-90, Westwego, (504) 436-8950, moscasrestaurant.com

Pizza Domenica, a sibling to the restaurant Domenica, is a Neapolitan-style pizzeria. The atmosphere there is casual and lively. They offer perfectly tossed gourmet pizzas in a woodfired oven. Compliment your pie with one of their refreshing cocktails. Multiple Locations, pizzadomenica.com

U Pizza, just steps from the St. Charles streetcar line, is a pizzeria with easy access for commuting locals and those exploring the city. They offer gourmet pizza with local fare such as the streetcar pizza and the Garden District. 1513 St. Charles Ave., (504) 381-4232, upizzanola.com

Mikimoto Restaurant serves Japanese cuisine with a Louisiana touch. This can’t miss menu is a staple of sushi in Uptown. Dine-in for a casual but intimate experience, featuring a traditional sushi bar, or order takeout from their drive-through window. 3301 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 488-1881, mikimotosushi.com

Thai’d Up was voted best Thai restaurant by Where Y’at’s readers in 2025. Try their coconut shrimp and sweet chili sauce. Whether dining in or taking out, Thai’d Up provides the same flavorful experience to every patron who visits. 1839 Gentilly Blvd., (504) 644-5790, thaidup.co

BARS WITH GREAT FOOD

JB’s Fuel Dock is a dockside pizzeria with a view. Its open kitchen caters a welcoming atmosphere for friends and families. They offer bar side, dining room, and dockside service. Pair their pizza with a glass of wine. 128 S. Roadway St., (504) 510-2260, jbsfueldock.com

The Vintage is a unique spot that brings a Parisian atmosphere to NOLA. They offer beignets ranging from traditional stylings to gravy smothered. Satiate your sweet tooth with one of their coffee cocktails or go savory with their small bites. 3121 Magazine St., (504) 608-1008, thevintagenola.com

CAFÉS

Café Amelie is a gem known for its lush courtyard. Try their Cajun poutine and Gulf shrimp & grits for brunch or the braised short rib for dinner. It is a great place to slow down and enjoy the French Quarter. 900 Royal St., (504) 412-8065, cafeamelie.com

Kitchen Table Café is a neighborhood diner offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This spot is dedicated to its use of locally-sourced ingredients and has gained a reputation for its quality, often cited by locals as the best breakfast in Arabi. 7005 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, (504) 301-2285, facebook.com/kitchentablearabi

Prince Tea House is a charming spot that uniquely blends European and Asian techniques. The business

Venezia is a home-style Italian restaurant that has been serving locals since 1957. The atmosphere is laid-back with table dining fit for their generous portions. Try the incredible eggplant Vatican, their hearty lasagna, and the house special pizzas. Multiple Locations, venezianeworleans.com

LATIN

Empanola, owned by Jimena Urrutia and her husband Marcelo Garcia, showcases their passion in the kitchen and love for New Orleans. They have dozens of different empanada fillings to try including gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and Asian dumpling. Multiple Locations, empanolaempanadas.com

MIDDLE EASTERN

Lebanon’s Café is a Middle Eastern restaurant that, for over 20 years, has been dedicated to serving a creative menu with welcoming hospitality. Try the fried cauliflower and pomegranate hummus, their baba ganoush, and deliciously fresh za’atar bread. 1500 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 862-6200, lebanonscafe.com

Mona’s Café is a beloved Mediterranean restaurant and market. Their menu offers gyros, chicken shawarma, and lula kebabs. Mona’s market is the

perfect place to buy imported ingredients. The restaurant recently underwent renovations but maintains its welcoming, neighborhood feel. 3901 Banks St., (504) 482-7743, facebook.com/monasnola

Shaya is an award-winning, modern Levantine restaurant. They offer warm and fresh wood-fired pita bread, hearty platters, and a spread of vegetableforward dishes. Whatever you order, be sure to pair it with a cocktail and enjoy their friendly neighborhood ambiance. 4213 Magazine St., (504) 891-4213, shayarestaurant.com

NEW ORLEANS CUISINE

Charlie’s Restaurant & Catering has been offering delicious Louisiana cuisine in Violet since 1992. Expect to see classic Cajun and Creole dishes such as seafood gumbo and fried seafood platters on their menu. Charlie’s also offers breakfast and stuffed potatoes. 6129 E. St. Bernard Hwy., Violet, (504) 682-9057

Chef Ron’s Gumbo Stop is an award-winning Cajun restaurant. Try their famous Mumbo Gumbo, an okra gumbo with chicken, shrimp, crab, crawfish, and tomato. They proudly source fresh, local ingredients. The specials are seasonal, but the gumbo is available year-round. 2309 N. Causeway Blvd., Metairie, (504) 835-2022, gumbostop.com

Crescent City Brewhouse is Louisiana’s oldest brewpub. The kitchen serves oysters and more, all set in their bistro-style dining room. Sit at the dark stained bar and see their gleaming copper brew tanks, a testament to the brewpub’s authenticity. 527 Decatur St., (504) 522-0571, crescentcitybrewhouse.com

Desire Oyster Bar is known for its authentic Louisiana cuisine. Desire welcomes patrons in with its elegant dining room, brimming with NOLA charm. Explore their robust oyster bar, or venture into Southern delights including fried alligator and red beans & rice. 300 Bourbon St., (504) 553-2281, sonesta.com

Galliano’s delicious dishes and cocktails offer a contemporary take on Louisiana bayou flavors. Alligator Creole, fried green tomatoes, and more tasty appetizers are available, while the blackened Gulf fish and the Duck Dulac are satisfying entrées. St., (504) 218-5753, gallianorestaurant.

com

Lakeview Harbor is a lively restaurant and bar situated near Lake Pontchartrain. It is a favored casual dinein with a sports-friendly bar. They offer delicious salads, po-boys, and burgers. Try their pork belly burnt ends with a root beer glaze. 8550 Pontchartrain Blvd., (504) 486-4887, lakeviewharbor.us

Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is a local confectionery spot founded in the ‘80s by the late Loretta S. Harrison, building on generations of family recipes. Loretta’s famous pralines rose in popularity when they became a vendor at Jazz Fest. Multiple Locations, lorettaspralines.com

Lyons Corner offers morning coffee, evening cocktails, and delicious plates. Their dining room has an urbanchic design, and their menu reflects contemporary twists by offering Creole fixings with thoughtful craftsmanship. Try the maple glazed pork belly or the flounder Pontchartrain. 537 Gravier St., (504) 5769721, lyonscornernola.com

Mandina’s Restaurant offers Creole-Italian flair. Try their crab fingers with white wine sauce or taste their legendary turtle soup. They offer famously large portions, so make sure to come hungry, and keep an eye out for their delicious specials. 3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179, mandinasrestaurant.com

Mother’s Restaurant is one of NOLA’s most longstanding and beloved eateries. The menu offers classic all-day breakfast items including Mae’s omelet, Mother’s famous buttermilk biscuits, and more. Traditional Louisiana fixings such as jambalaya and red beans & rice are also available. 401 Poydras St., (504) 523-9656, mothersrestaurant.net

Neauxstalgia Bar & Grille serves up delicious Louisiana comfort food. The restaurant, with Chef Julius Mosely manning the kitchen, provides a wide selection of tasty bites. Their menu contains familiar NOLA favorites such as a shrimp po-boy and blackened catfish. 320 S. Broad St., (504) 766-5224, neauxstalgia.com

New Orleans Creole Cookery offers quality Creole dishes in the French Quarter. A mix of white tablecloth and courtyard ambiances, the eatery’s menu offers local favorites including redfish almondine and jambalaya. They have a happy hour weekdays with special pricing for raw and chargrilled oysters. 510 Toulouse St., (504) 524-9632, neworleanscreolecookery.com

Neyow’s Creole Café is owned by Tanya Dubuclet, who based the menu on family recipes. The atmosphere mirrors its origins—lively yet cozy. Their menu includes red beans & rice, filé gumbo, mouthwatering Southern fried chicken, and celebrated chargrilled oysters. 3332 Bienville St., (504) 827-5474, neyows.com

Neyow’s XL, next door to Neyow’s Café, is an upscale take on the original concept. This restaurant utilizes black tablecloth and dark leather seating to compliment the luxurious menu, which features a premium selection of steaks and seafood. 3336 Bienville St., (504) 503-1081, xl.neyows.com

Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro offer Southern fare with a contemporary spin. Their menu boasts fine fare with a relaxed atmosphere. Try their scallops over pecan rice and follow that up with the roasted duck breast. 720 Orleans Ave., (504) 5231930, orleansgrapevine.com

Parasol’s is a beloved dive bar in the Irish Channel that offers good eats and friendly service. Their kitchen serves easy to love comfort foods such as onion rings and crawfish bites, as well as a tasty list of po-boys. 2533 Constance St., (504) 354-9079, facebook.com/ParasolsNOLA

Parkway Bakery and Tavern is one of NOLA’s iconic establishments. The restaurant has a lively neighborhood feel with largely outdoor seating. Try the roast beef with gravy poor boy or get the James Brown, a roast beef with fried shrimp. 538 Hagan Ave., (504) 482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com

Please U Restaurant is a time-tested, Louisianastyle diner. It opened in 1947 and has since cemented itself as a true classic. This booth and counter spot serves all day breakfast alongside an extensive list of po-boys and plates. 1751 St. Charles Ave., (504) 525-9131, pleaseunola.com

Restaurant Rebirth sets itself apart by being the Warehouse District’s only spot for farm-totable Cajun-Creole cuisine. The kitchen is run by Louisiana native Chef Ricky Cheramie. Their menu features blackened scallops, chicken and mirliton Rochambeau, and double-cut Cheshire pork shop. 857 Fulton St., (504) 522-6863, restaurantrebirth.com

Short Stop Poboys is a popular counter-service po-boy spot. They offer over 30 delicious varieties of po-boys, spanning from six to 14 inches. They also serve tasty potato salad and more. Beat the lunch line, and bring the whole family. 119 Transcontinental Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-4572, shortstoppoboysno.com

Willie Mae’s NOLA is a true staple. Family-owned since 1957, the business is a James Beard award recipient and offers “America’s Best Fried Chicken.” The restaurant’s popularity continues to grow, so be sure to give them a visit. 898 Baronne St., (504) 354-8194, williemaesnola.com

SEAFOOD

Bon Temps Boulet’s Seafood is a seasonally operated seafood restaurant with award winning crawfish. This crawfish season, stop by the family friendly spot and order the “blue daddy” platter, which is a mix of crawfish and blue crab. 4701 Airline Dr., Metairie, (504) 885-5003, bontempsboulets.com

Briquette is known for their elevated seafood menu. Try their Louisiana redfish on the half shell or their oysters Bienville en casserole. Briquette’s open kitchen features an 18-foot display of whole fish, speaking to their promise of fresh seafood. 701 S. Peters St., (504) 547-6330, briquette-nola.com

Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant is famous for their “Bucktown-style” seasoned boiled seafood. Deanie’s boils became so beloved, it now hosts two locations in the Greater New Orleans area. They also offer an array of stews, platters, and differently-prepared oysters. Multiple Locations, deanies.com

Delacroix is an elevated ode to the historic fishing community of the same name outside of New Orleans. Visit and try their Cajun pistolettes or Momma’s drum almandine. This restaurant’s river-blue interior is reminiscent of its bayou roots. 1 Poydras St. Spc. 1005, (504) 655-9002, delacroixrestaurant.com

Drago’s Seafood Restaurant began in Metairie in the late ‘60s, but it was in 1993 when Tommy Cvitanovich invented charbroiled oysters. Patrons will find they upkeep the same stylings and quality that sky-rocketed them to fame decades ago. Multiple Locations, dragosrestaurant.com

Felix’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar, founded in the French Quarter in 1940, is known for its fresh raw and charbroiled oysters, lively atmosphere, and its authentic Cajun-Creole seafood dishes. Famously, patrons can see the oysters shucked right at the bar. Multiple Locations, felixs.com

Legacy Kitchen’s Tacklebox is a polished, casual seafood restaurant and oyster bar. Tacklebox offers daily brunch and the CBD lunch, a quick and easy selection for those on their lunch breaks. Head over for dinner and order their grilled fish. 817 Common St., (504) 827-1651, legacykitchen.com

The Blue Crab Restaurant & Bar serves fresh seafood with a view. This rustic lakeside spot is designed after the raised houses on the bayou. Enjoy oysters on the half-shell, seafood gumbo, whole stuffed flounder, and much more. 7900 Lakeshore Dr., (504) 284-2898, thebluecrabnola.com

The Galley Seafood is a neighborhood-style spot with a seafood focused menu. Try their boiled crawfish or slurp down on fresh oysters. Their softshell crab po-boy comes highly recommended, so bring your friends and enjoy their draft beers. 2535 Metairie Rd., Metairie, (504) 832-0955

Books In theBooks In the

The Napoleonic Code’s Past and Present in Louisiana Law

The Napoleonic Code’s Past and Present in Louisiana Law

From the beginning of New Orleans, founded in 1718, we were different from the rest of the country in which we were located. // TIM Mc NALLY

Jamestown, Virginia, founded in 1607, marked the establishment of European-based communities in North America, which happened quite a bit before our establishment on the banks of North America’s greatest river.

There were some significant differences as to the manner in which both areas were populated and the reasons for the colonial establishments far across the large body of water separating us from the homelands.

Many of the early English settlers were not happy with matters back home. The English did not feel they had a concerned monarch in James I. To be fair, King James had a lot on his plate, including the combining of England and Scotland. He had been King of Scotland, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, so his priorities were a little bent in that direction.

When it came to the establishment of New Orleans, a much loved monarch, Louis XIV, was on the throne. Known as the Sun King, or Louis the Great, he was admired by his subjects during his reign. His successor, Louis XV, was also appreciated and was known as Louis the Beloved. Louis XV was too young to take the throne when Louis XIV passed in 1715, so Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, acted as monarch until 1723 when Louis XV came of age.

This is important to know in the context of why New Orleans was different from the other European settlements to the north and east. While both France and England “used” their New World holdings to secure goods, the English approach was to continue the harsh rule of the monarchy while the French approach was to implement a gentler presence but still under the ruler from Paris.

This, in a generalized way, explains the revolutionary direction of America to legally, and even violently, separate from the English monarchy, while the French presence was to extend their more benevolent royal influence to their new home. It also explains why the indigenous natives of South Louisiana befriended their “invaders,” while, further to the north, the natives were restless and felt oppressed.

This different approach to colonization also explains why the English legal system, which heavily relied on precedence of laws and court judgements, was not the guiding principle of law in the Louisiana territory. That law, known as the Napoleonic Code, was the embraced legal force of the French and Spanish lands.

The French Civil Code, up until the formal adoption of the Napoleonic Code, was unwieldy and vast, often contradicting itself within the same document. The Napoleonic Code, adopted in 1804, sought to lay down a viable legal base on which the monarchy, state, and country could settle matters equitably, consistently, and resolutely.

The Napoleonic Code mainly formed the base of legal matters in Louisiana until 1976 when the state adopted a new

constitution based on the standards of U.S. law; however, remnants of the Napoleonic Code still remain in the laws of Louisiana.

The Napoleonic Code streamlined and eliminated many local regulations that inhibited a common understanding of what was legal and where. The code established the laws regarding private property and what were the limits of the state. The basis of the Napoleonic Code stated that all men are equal under the law––which should sound familiar. However, it did not eliminate slavery, and it restricted the rights of minorities. It also did not grant full rights to women. Although, it did expand their rights from many local restrictions such as property ownership and commercial involvement. The code also addressed, with some mixed restrictions, the rights of Jews.

The code established secularism without giving any religion legal preference. The right to own property and use it for individual advantage, within reason, is probably the single most important item that still holds sway over Louisiana’s modern contemporary legal and governmental system. Also of great importance is that the code was based mostly on government decrees, while the English system, ironically known as Common Law, is based on legal court rulings and precedent.

There continues to be a misunderstanding of the code by citizens in Louisiana and in France, both of whom still have legal bases established in the code. The Napoleonic Code did not eliminate slavery and did not expand the rights of women within the law, nor did the code establish the right for slaves and women to vote in public elections.

It is important to keep in mind the historic era when the code was written and adopted. During the reality of the French Revolution, overall freedoms were not going to be expanded. On the other hand, the code has been amended many times. Today’s French Civil Code bears little resemblance to the 1804 original document, thereby making comparisons difficult, but the basis of the law for Louisiana is mostly based entirely on precedents with the input of government decrees that have amended the code.

Ultimately, the fact that Louisiana’s historic past was involved with the Napoleonic Code continues to make us a bit different from our neighbors to the north. If you are here, you probably don’t need to be told that how we live and the results of our elections are not usually in tune with what other American areas are doing. Our traditions and style of living differences cannot be attributed in their entirety to prior and current influences of the code; however, our past has set a tone for how we proceed even today. One does not have to dig deep to find examples of a way of life that could only have evolved, and continues to happen, here.

Drink It Up Up

Sports Drink & New Orleans’ Comedy Boom

// JOEY CIRILO

Something unexpected is happening in New Orleans— folks are showing up for stand-up comedy.

We’re not talking about the Tuesday open mic at the Other Bar (RIP) where a strung out vagabond wielding a worn out acoustic guitar does his best impression of Adam Sandler circa SNL ‘93. We’re talking about standing room only. We’re talking about local comics with followings. We’re talking about a buzz throughout the Crescent City that’s not a direct result of a beer and shot special from your favorite neighborhood haunt, although you can most certainly add that to the mix.

It’s not that stand-up comedy is here. Rather, it’s that it’s back. It’s revitalized. And, not-so-oddly enough, it’s an unassuming café and comedy club hidden in plain sight in the historic Irish Channel neighborhood that’s leading the comedy boom. Ladies and gentleman, give it up for Sports Drink.

Yes. You read that right. “Sports Drink.” A coffee shop by day turned into a 60-ish max capacity comedy club at night, where the intimate setting puts the pelvic region of every performer about two feet away from the audience members in the front row, if you’re lucky. It’s where the backdrop for the stage is an unmistakable wall of bright orange Igloo coolers the likes of which Louisiana’s own Bobby Boucher would be proud. Go Mud Dogs.

Sports Drink is the brain child of Baton Rouge native Andrew Stephens, founder and resident rim protector. It was originally launched in 2020 as a brand continuation of a podcast network with an emphasis on the intersection of sports and comedy, Armchair Media. Fast forward three years later and a brick and mortar venue opened on Toledano Street, initially sharing the space with Junk Drawer Coffee during the day. After

only a year, Stephens successfully bought out the coffee shop operations and rebranded. Sports Drink: Cafe & Comedy Club was born, and with it, unbeknownst to a majority of New Orleanians at the time, so was the resurgence of stand-up comedy in their beloved city.

But in a city with, and this is stated with all due respect, a documented history of tragedy, where was the comedy? The New Orleans Phlyax play? Our burlesque dramatic? A city where humor can be found from every street corner to the check out line at Rouses had a lackluster comedy scene? Make it make sense. And what makes Stephens and everyone involved at Sports Drink so special that they were the ones to wield the sword?

Over a century of belly laughs has quietly shaped the comedy scene we see today. Early 20th century vaudeville acts from performers such as the yodeling, joke telling Emmett “Gang” Anthony paved the way for modern day performers in a city that’s known for, well, performances. The contemporary Greater New Orleans area is no stranger to birthing a myriad of successful comedians ranging from Garrett Morris to Ellen DeGeneres, Bianca Del Rio, Tyler Perry, Theo Von, Del Harrison, Mark Normand, and many more. Funny not only exists in New Orleans, it’s prevalent and, in some cases, a mandatory means of everyday survival. Yet, stand-up comedy has never quite permeated the culture and the reasons for that are as complex as the city itself. Ya know, for this being

the Big Easy, not many things here come too easily.

Why comedy isn’t embedded in New Orleans culture like the direct correlation between homicides and Saints wins can be attributed to a number of things ranging from New Orleans being a transient city, the impacts of COVID-19, a small and simultaneously dwindling population, etc. But if you want to throw a blanket statement over it, we just have other shit we’d typically rather be doing. Sit down and properly attend a comedy show?

We have 24 hour bars, nightly live music across every imaginable genre, some of the best cuisine in the world, and a plethora of other readily-available distractions to keep you treading water for the foreseeable future.

But while all of those things are wonderfully true, it doesn’t mean that stand-up comedy isn’t appreciated or wanted here. If anything, one could easily argue that this city is primed for an art form in which an individual utilizes their creative lens to deliver humorous commentary and observations, reflecting New Orleans back to itself. Hell, the material practically writes itself here daily.

Stephens and everyone at Sports Drink understood that. What really allowed them to

scene was, yes, providing a unique space for comedians to perform but also knowing that the space had to be for the talent. Stephens and company don’t overstep. It’s not wannabe comedians cosplaying as managers forcefully imposing their will and ultimately souring their reputation. They simply step aside and let the comics do what they’re there to do, all the while supporting them in any which way they can.

Sports Drink gets it. As a result, talent from all over the world is picking up on what this café and comedy club on Toledano Street is doing. With a plethora of programming from Community Night, where folks are making sandwiches to stock community refrigerators, Open Gym (mic) night, and the, “How the hell did they land this guy?” feature, there’s a little something for everyone at all times. So come on in. The tickets are cheap, the drinks are strong, and the laughs are plentiful. Let’s continue to rebuild the New Orleans comedy scene, one water cooler at a time.

BARGUIDE DRINK Like You Want to Remember Spring Festivals

on Frenchmen

Mélange at Bamboula’s

Functional • THC • Zero-Proof

Balcony Access @ 516 Frenchmen St.

BAMBOULA'S

516 Frenchmen St. (504) 451-7306

BOOT SCOOTIN’ RODEO

522 Bourbon St. (504) 552-2510

BOURBON STREET HONKY TONK

727 Bourbon St. (504) 523-1960

CRESCENT CITY BREWHOUSE

527 Decatur St. (504) 522-0571

JB'S FUEL DOCK

128 S. Roadway St. (504) 510-2260

LE BON TEMPS ROULE

4801 Magazine St. (504) 897-3448

LOTS A LUCK TAVERN

203 Homedale St. (504) 483-0978

MARTINE'S LOUNGE

2347 Metairie Rd., Metairie (504) 831-8637

MÉLANGE ON FRENCHMEN

516 Frenchmen St. (504) 451-7306

PAL'S LOUNGE

949 N. Rendon St. (504) 488-7257

PARASOL'S BAR & RESTAURANT

2533 Constance St. (504) 354-9079

RICK'S CABARET

315 Bourbon St. (504) 524-4222

RIVERSHACK TAVERN

3449 River Rd. (504) 834-4938

SADDLE BAR

715 Bienville St. (504) 313-1113

SALA NOLA

124 Lake Marina Ave. (504) 513-2670

SAZERAC HOUSE

101 Magazine St. (504) 910-0100

THE BOONDOCK SAINT

731 St. Peter St. (504) 525-4950

THE CHANNEL

2604 Magazine St. (504) 381-4680

THE JAZZ PLAYHOUSE

300 Bourbon St. (504) 553-2299

THE METROPOLITAN

310 Andrew Higgins Blvd. (504) 568-1702

THE ORIGINAL NITE CAP

1300 St. Bernard Ave. (504) 224-2854

THE VINTAGE

3121 Magazine St. (504) 324-7144

THREE MARIES JAZZ CLUB

621 St. Louis St. (504) 529-7045

TROPICAL ISLE

Multiple Locations (504) 523-1927

Providing live music every day, Bamboula's is the perfect place on Frenchmen Street. Try their Oyster Shooter with one raw oyster, vodka, and spicy Bloody Mary Mix.

Boot Scootin' is a lively country bar offering line dancing, a mechanical bull, and games. Enjoy a full bar with beers and specialty drinks for a fun-filled Southern night.

Bourbon Street Honky Tonk blends blues and country vibes. It offers signature cocktails including the Hand Grenade and Pirate’s Passion, plus some of the best live performances in the Quarter.

For nightly live music and quality craft beer, be sure to visit Crescent City Brewhouse. The microbrewery also offers tasty Louisiana favorites such as oysters and fried alligator.

JB's Fuel Dock overlooks Lake Pontchartrain and is a former fuel dock turned waterfront bar, offering cocktails, beers, seltzers, and wines. It’s an inviting spot to enjoy stunning lakeside views.

Le Bon Temps Roule has been a staple since 1979. This 24-hour bar features live music, signature cocktails, and more. It’s perfect for late-night drinks or a game of pool.

Lots a Luck Tavern is a hidden dive bar gem near City Park featuring a backyard courtyard and games. With affordable drinks and a lively crowd, it’s a must-visit.

Martine's Lounge is a true Old Metairie gem, boasting a laid-back charm that welcomes both regulars and newcomers alike with low prices, a new pool table, and friendly vibes.

Mélange sets itself apart by being a cool bar that is completely alcohol free. The spot above Bamboula’s offers NA alternatives, THC beverages, and more.

Pal's Lounge is open daily and offers a relaxed NOLA-style atmosphere with heavy pours, classic games, and occasional food trucks—perfect for a nightcap or pregame drink.

Parasol's is famous for its po-boys and is a beloved neighborhood dive bar offering diverse beers and cocktails. Try their Frozen Irish Coffee and homemade onion rings.

Rick's Cabaret offers a full wine and beer selection, plus VIP cocktails including Mile High Gin and Unrigged Tequila, making it the ideal place for bachelor or bachelorette celebrations.

Rivershack Tavern is a mix of a neighborhood tavern, live music club, sports bar, and a restaurant. It offers great burgers and po-boys, a vast beer selection, a wine list, and more.

Saddle Bar is a country-themed bar in the Quarter featuring two floors of cocktails and throwback shots, perfect for riding the mechanical rooster or showing off your line-dancing skills.

Sala NOLA offers modern American food right near Lake Pontchartrain. Visit during their happy hour on Tuesday through Thursday for a craft cocktail such as their pineapple cilantro margarita.

Sazerac House is a historic museum that offers insight into the traditions and culture of the Sazerac cocktail. After wandering through their distillery, make sure to grab a classic Sazerac.

The Boondock Saint is a cozy Irish-style pub that offers a wide selection of draft beers and an old-school jukebox, making it perfect for a relaxed and authentic NOLA experience.

This Irish Channel gem serves perfectly poured Guinness and excellent bar food. A favorite hangout for locals, don’t miss The Channel’s lively St. Patrick’s Day block party celebration.

The Jazz Playhouse is one of the city’s top jazz clubs. This hotspot in the Royal Sonesta offers jazz-inspired cocktails, flavorful entrées, and a rotating lineup of world-class artists.

The Metropolitan is a two-story club with multiple full bars, VIP bottle service, and trendy DJ sets. They offer a calendar of events, so visit their website to see upcoming performances.

The Original Nite Cap is a Seventh Ward entertainment bar featuring live music and burlesque. Sip unique cocktails such as the Mora Nera or Bel Signore.

The Vintage, located on Magazine Street, serves coffee, beignets, wines, and bubbles, as well as coffee cocktails, local beers, and pre-Prohibition classics—perfect for daytime treats or evening indulgences.

Three Maries Jazz Club, located in the Omni Royal, is perfect for people looking for late-night tunes. The club offers snacks and decedent cocktails such as the Caviar and Champagne.

Tropical Isle is famous for its iconic Hand Grenade and lively French Quarter bar atmosphere. They serve frozen and classic cocktails, making it the perfect starting point for exploring New Orleans.

Project Hail Mary Undertone

Based on the novel of the same name, Project Hail Mary is a rousing sci-fi adventure that will hopefully find an audience in theaters.

solution to the problem.

The source material is a novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote The Martian. Both works share an ability to make practical scientific problem-solving exciting.

Sequences such as the one where Grace and Rocky struggle to communicate with each other are both funny and logical. Even though the film clocks in at just over two-and-a-half hours, it is never boring. Even though Rocky is a special effect, he develops a genuine relationship with Grace over the course of the film.

Gosling also does excellent work as the lead. He is the rare Hollywood heartthrob who can be genuinely convincing as a dork. A late flashback also adds depth and complexity to his character beyond a simple reluctant hero.

Amazon/MGM took a big swing on Project Hail Mary, which cost about $200 million to make.

Undertone, the new horror film from A24, the studio that brought you Hereditary and The Witch, feels like it’s been made by placing familiar ingredients in that studio’s scary movie blender. Haunted-looking protagonist with family issues? Check. Muted color palette and a nervy, unsettling score? Check. Metaphors about religious trauma and/or parental ambivalence? Check, check, and check.

listening to a series of voice recordings sent to them by an anonymous source, which depict a couple in distress and which have disturbing parallels to Evie’s own life.

To its credit, Undertone’s first half glides along on the film’s atmospheric visuals and campfire story-esque premise. Tuason does an effective job of wringing tension from Evy’s increasing isolation. The camera roves restlessly around her childhood home, capturing every dark corner and stark angle with quiet unease.

Ryan Gosling is Ryland Grace, a science teacher who wakes up on a spaceship after an induced coma. He doesn’t remember anything initially, but his memories eventually come back. He realizes he was part of a desperation mission to the farthest reaches of space to find a solution to a mysterious substance that is killing stars and weakening the sun. If he does not succeed, life on Earth will slowly come to an end, with wars and starvation along the way. Eventually, Grace befriends an alien, who he dubs Rocky because of his appearance and who is also seeking a

The issue really lies in the film’s second half, as well as its central performance. Undertone often just feels too familiar to truly surprise or scare, from its grim, self-serious tone—à la Hereditary—to its barrage of overdone horror audio tropes such as babies crying, creepy nursery rhymes, and demonic voices.

Kiri, practically the only actor onscreen for the entire film, is just too much of a blank to pull the audience into Evy’s escalating horror. It never once feels like you know who Evy was or what motivated her.

None of this is to say that Undertone, by first-time director Ian Tuason, is bad, exactly. The set-up and atmosphere it establishes in its opening frames are promising. The film centers on Evy (Nina Kiri), a 20-something podcaster taking care of her dying mother. Trapped in her childhood home, Evy’s only form of relief is through her work: a paranormal podcast in which she and her co-host Justin (the voice of Adam DiMarco) investigate “real-life” scary stories. The film’s horror kicks off when Evy and Justin begin

By the time you reach the film’s noisy conclusion, Undertone has become like a paranormal podcast episode: a little spooky, a little cheesy, and ultimately background noise. —Michael Mahin

// PHIL LaMANCUSA

Cajun Gumbo

C’ here, time I learn you sumpthin’ an um tellin’ you like a mutha. You gotta learn to cook good gumbo if you’re gonna catch a luvah. Your Auntie Zoe Odette, she always been just sittin’ on the shelf, While Cousine Marie Ser’phine, I gar-on-tee, ain’t nevva by huhself. The secret’s in the ‘tennsion you pay, and how you do sashay And dance round the stove yer cookin’ and the fire that you lay.

The aprons we gone be wearin’ is hung by the kitchen door.

The weather’s nice, the sun is out, we couldn’t ask for more.

Now come a little closer while I ‘splain my secret theory.

I dun be tellin’ jes anyone, but you always bin my Deary. Y’see this wonder that we’re gonna make, it needs the “Danse Gumbo,” Not any dance you learn in school, more a Cajun two-step mambo.

G’wan run me down a chicken fine and burn off all dem feddeh.

Cotch me now that ole hen, Chere, that meat I b’leeve tastes beddah. Grab me down my gumbo pot, that big black iron ting, I swear.

Gumbo cookin’ in any udda, make me mean as a creek wet bear.

Slap more wood on the fire and grab me the grease I keep In the ole coffee can, backa the stove, while we let them men folks sleep.

Kick them shoes off, take off dem socks, lemme see them sweet petite toes. Get us some music on the box like them rockin’ Los Po-Boy-Citos. We got to move our bodies with the vittles, I swear I tells you true. The secret ingredient’s that our gumbo has is a Latin boogaloo. Bring me out gumbo crabs and swimps that Cousine Edgar caught.

Evreetings goin’ in that pot jus’ like your Marraine Essy taught.

Y’all don’t come out her off’t enuf, so I gotta do this to learn ya.

To make that roux real careful like, so’s it doesn’t up’n burn ya. While I’m fryin’ up that hen, get me the gizzards out the freezer. That I’s been savin’ for this here gumbo that’s gonna be a pleaser. Mince them onions fine, celery too, and bell peppers, uh, but Don’t mix ‘em. They be separate. Add here. Let me see you cut.

Take the chicken out the pan and add the flour slow ’n’ steady

To that grease and get the roux a goin’ and stir until it’s ready. Put that cornbread in the oven fire and make damn sure it’s hot.

Get ‘tater salad out the fridge, needs more hot sauce like as not. Now show me that roux hand, stir big circles, very slow and steady. Dun let that roux go slashing you, tho I gots the aloe ready.

I went over down by Thibodeaux to get some that good boudin, An’ while waiting for andouille too, I invited your Cousine Anne. She up and married Alphonse the fire-man, they be happy, yeah. Got twins, a house, and a fishin’ camp, and they all be comin’, Chere. I tol’ her of your college life and how much you done learn. That roux is turnin’ tan to brown, now don’t you let it burn.

And now the roux is dark as night, so throw your onions ‘pon it. To stop that roux right in its tracks, you gotta stir like good goldarnit. Now the celery and bell peppers, and it aint trinity without the pope, ‘cause if you forget the garlic, it be like dish washin’ without the soap. We gun let this gumbo sit at least a day, so that all the flavors mate. When company gets a bite of it, they’ll claim that heaven can wait.

Now, the trinity has dun its work, seafood, sausage, ’n’ chicken’s in. No tomatoes, okree, or Creole stuff. I swear, child, where you been? Talka ‘bout things can goes in: ersters, squirl, ‘n’ possum, if’n you jig one. Parrain Leon bringin’ his fiddle, too, makin’ our fais do-do ta be big fun. That sweet well water’s what does the trick, Chere, add it up to here. Now we sit, let that cauldron do its work. go’ne fetch us ‘nutha beer.

// DEBBIE LINDSEY

She Ain’t Easy, But She’s Mine

My portal to a new and very different life was Exit 235. This off-ramp from I-10 East placed me on Orleans Avenue and minutes away from my future. Mobile became my past life. As with any self-respecting portal, I was given passage to another world and had just entered the surreal, magical, deeply disturbed, and vitally stimulating New Orleans. I would take residence within ground zero of the magic—the Vieux Carré.

I had slipped through this portal often ever since my childhood. New Orleans, especially Canal Street with its grand haberdasheries and boutiques, and, of course, the Quarter, was everything Mobile was not. She, New Orleans, was embedded in my soul and heart more and more with each visit. And like lead, it doesn’t leave your blood easily. So when the time came for me to live in a place as proudly weird as myself, I chose this city.

I stepped, or should I say drove, through the portal 37 years ago on a Saturday at 12:25 in the afternoon. It was April Fools Day, which is now my lucky day—my anniversary with this city. Every year since that day, I remember just how much my life changed and the experiences that I have garnered that never ever could have happened anywhere else. Surviving Katrina, opening a bookstore (thanks, Philipe), buying a house (still nervous about this), marrying Philipe (no regrets), and just living a larger life (thanks, NOLA).

Some Quarterites seem to take pride in never crossing Canal, claiming that “if it ain’t in the Quarters, ya don’t need it.” I disagreed. This place has so many different neighborhoods that each is its own little universe.

spirited town and a free-for-all gets blurred. A beautiful spirited second line needn’t involve speeding jacked-up three-wheelers and littered streets. Our town certainly does have its blemishes, and some are cancerous, but oh does she work overtime when it comes to creativity and magic. This place is magical realism on steroids. Not sure I can outdo the Soul Rebels’ No Place Like Home album as it embraces this town, Tom Piazza’s poignant post-Katrina tribute and defense of this city Why New Orleans Matters, or the thousands of other folks who sing, often literally, her praises; however, I will share with you the “only in New Orleans” moments, memories, people, and places that have changed my DNA, altered and enhanced my interests, and infected me with its grit, grime, and glory.

New Orleans energized my sense of exploration, and, upon moving here: I would bike out to the lakefront, take in a movie in Metairie, and eat lunch overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. Other weekends, I’d walk or “streetcar it” to the zoo or just wander Audubon Park.

Shortly before my move from Mobile, I was walking to work. That alone made me odd—folks drove and rarely walked for transportation. Across the street, a guy was strolling down the sidewalk with a large rifle—this was high noon and a major thoroughfare. I thought to myself, “I am moving to a city with substantial crime issues, but at least a dude nonchalantly ambling along with a large weapon won’t be the most exciting thing I’ll see all day. Make that all week.”

Another thing about my walking everywhere, me and the rifleman, being an anomaly to the status quo was the assumed perception that I was a street-walker/hooker/ prostitute. I could be walking from work, daytime, in a suit, and toting a briefcase or a bag of groceries and some dickhead wanna-be John would follow me and drive up alongside and ask for a “date.” I couldn’t wait to move to a walkable, bike-centric, and bus/streetcar friendly city. Sure, folks drive here, with lawless abandon even. Our bike lanes and bus service needs improvement, but no longer would I achieve negative notoriety for simply walking or waiting at a bus stop.

New Orleans lacks much in terms of infrastructure, financial equity, and consistently stable city services. It allows the dysfunction to flourish, which is not the same as embracing funk and fun. The line between having a free-

Some Quarterites seem to take pride in never crossing Canal, claiming that “if it ain’t in the Quarters, ya don’t need it.” I disagreed. This place has so many different neighborhoods that each is its own little universe. The natural world of flora, waters, and animals are to be found either tucked in a Mid-City bayou or at the edge of our lake. Parks here abound with wildlife and birds. Audubon Park is home to an amazing breeding, nesting, and frolicking natural bird habitat right next to a golf course—strange bedfellows.

Sure, Mobile has two fine higher education schools, South Alabama and Springhill College, and I could have audited classes, but, perhaps, I just needed New Orleans to jump start me/reboot my interests. I’d bus out to UNO for some great non-credit classes and vicariously enjoyed the campus life. I also sought out various progressive action and community groups to join. Those meetings allowed me to meet so many activists and animal rights folks. Coffee shops were a totally new thing for me. Back then, Mobile lacked these social meeting joints. Doubtful Cappuccino was available in Mobile in those days. I found a world of the most interesting characters in La Marquise Pastry Shop. This Chartres Street coffee shop attracted world renown artists, writers, musicians, local activists, eccentrics, waiters, and bankers.

Goodness, I could go on and on about what was gained in moving here. WWOZ has mentored my education and appreciation of music with every listen. My writing has been allowed publication thanks to this locallyowned magazine. I met Philipe and that led to love, travel, and Kitchen Witch Book Shop. I also found friends, Jazz Fest, NORDC, Times-Picayune, Liuzza’s by the Track, Hank’s Place, Fatmas, and much more, thanks to my portal.

Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage Tropical Isle Hand Grenade Stage French Quarter Fest French Quarter Fest

Thursday 4/16/26

11:10 am-12:10 pm Mem Shannon & The Membership

12:30 pm-1:30 pm Sir Chantz Powell & The Sound Of Funk (S.O.F.)

1:50 pm - 2:50 pm Susan Cowsill

3:10 pm - 4:10 pm Yusa & Mahmoud Chouki

4:30 pm - 5:45 pm Royal Essence

6:15 pm - 7:45 pm Bag of Donuts

Friday 4/17/26

11:10 am-12:10 pm Maji Melodies - Semaj & The Blues Experiment

12:30 pm-1:30 pm Joe Lastie’s Jazz to Brass feat. Dr. Pathorn

1:50 pm - 2:50 pm Ashton Hines and the Big Easy Brawlers

3:10 pm - 4:10 pm Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars

4:30 pm - 5:45 pm Deezle

6:15 pm - 7:45 pm Lisa Amos

Saturday 4/18/26

11:10 am-12:10 pm Christian Serpas & Ghost Town

12:30 pm-1:30 pm Ovi-G presents “ Xtra Cash!” 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm Ronnie Lamarque Orchestra featuring Hot Rod Lincoln

3:35 pm - 4:35 pm Victor Campbell & Timba Swamp

4:55 pm - 5:55 pm Higher Heights Reggae Band

6:15 pm - 7:45 pm Flagboy Giz & the Wild Tchoupitoulas

Sunday 4/19/26

11:10 am - 12:10 pm Professor Craig Adams & the Higher Dimensions Band

12:30 pm-1:30 pm Alex McMurray

1:50 pm - 2:50 pm A ssata Renay

3:10 pm - 4:10 pm Wanda Rouzan and a Taste of New Orleans

4:30 pm - 5:45 pM Big Frank & Lil Frank & the Dirty Old Men

6:15 pm - 7:45 pm Honey Island Swamp Band